Cyprus: Turkey's Drilling Bid Violates International Law
Cyprus' foreign ministry said Turkey's bid to drill
for natural gas in waters where the island nation has exclusive economic rights
is a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty under international law.
The ministry in a statement on Saturday stated the
bid shows Turkey's "real intentions" of undermining efforts to
restart talks aimed at reunifying the ethnically divided country, reported The
Associated Press.
The ministry added Cyprus, a European Union member,
is taking "all necessary measures" to deal with the situation.
EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini expressed the
bloc's "grave concern" over Turkey's intention to drill inside
Cyprus' exclusive economic zone.
Mogherini said the EU urgently calls on Turkey to
show restraint, respect Cyprus' sovereign rights and refrain from any illegal
action to which the bloc "will respond appropriately in full
solidarity" with Cyprus.
