Cyprus’ President Nicos Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis exchanged views and coordinated their actions in light of Turkey`s illegal activities in the Eastern Mediterranean region, during a telephone conversation they had n Thursday.

According to a Presidency’s announcement, Kousios told journalists that President Anastasiades briefed the Prime Minister on his visit to Paris and the talks he had with French President Emanuel Macron and on the long telephone conversation he had on Thursday with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

He also said that they exchanged views on the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, due to the illegal actions of Turkey, and the briefed each other on the steps and contacts made by the two countries to address the Turkish provocation. The also reaffirmed the common understanding and the solidarity of the two countries.

Kousios also said that during the telephone conversation, Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed gratitude for the donation of 11 million euros from the Republic of Cyprus, for the rehabilitation of those affected by the catastrophic fire in Mati, Attica in 2018.

As he said an amount of 8 million euros will be allocated for the construction of housing units for vulnerable groups and the rest of the amount will be spend on the creation of a Mediterranean recreation park in the community.

Turkey’s seismic research vessel ‘Barbaros’ entered Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on July 30, 2020 and the specific area that Turkey has blocked with an illegal NAVTEX. According to the illegal NAVTEX, the area is located southeast of Cape Greco (Famagusta) and includes parts of blocks 2, 3 and 13 of Cyprus’ EEZ.

The Republic of Cyprus, has issued immediately an anti-NAVTEX, according to which the Turkish NAVTEX is illegal and violates the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and has taken steps on various levels in relation to the new Turkish provocations.
Turkish drill ship “Yavuz” arrived last April in the exclusive economic zone (ΕΕΖ) of Cyprus, after Ankara announced another attempt to drill a well in blocks licensed to European companies. This is the 6th time Turkey attempts to drill within the EEZ and continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus, this time in an area that covers part of exploration blocks 6 and 7, which have been licensed to ENI and TOTAL.

In a statement on May 15, EU Foreign Ministers deplored the fact that Turkey has not yet responded to EU calls to cease such activities and reiterated their call on Ankara to show restraint, refrain from such actions, and respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Cyprus, in accordance with international law. EU Foreign Ministers also reaffirmed previous Council and European Council conclusions, notably those of June 2019 and October 2019 on Turkey’s continued illegal activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.