The Greek Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday afternoon, responding to recent Turkish threats that its drilling vessels will conduct further operations inside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus.
”Turkey’s intention to conduct new drilling within the Cypriot EEZ comes after a slew of violations against the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, International Law, and the European Acquis,” the statement began.
”Drilling, in a maritime area which is not only within the EEZ and the continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus, but has been delineated and licensed to European companies, is in complete contravention of any concept of legitimacy, disregarding EU and international community calls to respect the rights of the Republic of Cyprus and to reduce tensions,” the Greek statement noted.
The Ministry highlighted the need for stability and cooperation in the Mediterranean Sea, adding that ”Such actions do not contribute to it, but undermine any efforts to consolidate peace and cooperation in the region.”
The Greek Foreign Ministry warned Turkey that by behaving in such a way, it distances itself from the European Union, emphasizing the fact that the logic of de-facto actions and violations does not create justice; on the contrary, it violates fundamental European principles.
Greece repeated its absolute solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus, noting that Athens is in constant contact, cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as with Greece’s other European and International partners and allies on the issue.
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