The Cyprus government has said that statements by US Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Reeker, concerning Turkey`s activities in the Eastern Mediterreanan constitute a sound message of the US to Turkey.
In statements to journalists at the Presidential Palace, Government Spokesman Kyriakos Koushos welcomed “the sound message which the US send via the US Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Mr. Philip Reeker to Turkey that the violations and the piracy actions of Turkey in the EEZ (of Cyprus), in Greece and in the broader Eastern Mediterranean constitute provocative actions that do not help but increase tension in our region.”
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.
Ankara sent on several occasions its seismic research vessel ‘Barbaros’ to Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), following the Republic of Cyprus’ decision, in 2011, to start exploratory offshore drilling. After May 2019, Turkey caused a stir by sending consecutively two drill ships, “Fatih” and “Yavuz”, to conduct unauthorised drilling activities of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, at times in areas licensed by Cyprus to international energy companies.
The European Council reaffirmed its full solidarity with Cyprus, regarding the respect of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law and in February 2020, placed two persons under restrictive measures, in relation to Turkey`s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
