Government’s concern and top priority remains the creation of conditions that will allow the resumption of the talks under the auspices of the UN Secretary General from the point they stopped, provided that Turkey terminates its illegal activities within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, Cyprus’ Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides has stressed.

In his speech at a memorial service held in Paphos for those who lost their lives during the 1974 Turkish invasion to Cyprus, the Minister said that in a period of high challenges and delinquent actions, we must rise to the occasion so that together to face the Turkish provocation and aggression within Cyprus’ EEZ securing our sovereign rights.

Petrides said that unfortunately Turkey is causing more and more problems in the efforts to resume the talks. Problems that highlight, as he said, the lack of any good will on her part to work together to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem.

He said that Turkey completely disregards every principle of European and international law.

Turkey’s actions have been strongly condemned by European partners as well as by the international community, the Minister said, adding that Turkish actions that are inconsistent with the concept of good neighborly relations, international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in particular.

The Government, he added, honors all those who fought for the freedom of our homeland and sends the message to every direction that we want a free Cyprus, a Cyprus of peace and prosperity, democracy and justice where all basic human rights will be secured.

We want a solution fully compatible with our capacity as a Member State of the European Union and on the basis of United Nations resolutions, he said, noting that this solution is in the interest of all Cypriots without exception.

A solution that will restore freedom throughout the country and will create conditions of security, cooperation and prosperity for all its inhabitants, said the Minister of Defence.

Despite the continuing impasse, Petrides stressed, we are struggling with the President of the Republic at the forefront for the dialogue, peace and stability.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey has ignored numerous UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and respect of the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

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.