A wide-ranging political and diplomatic campaign in addition to national unity are imperative to address Turkey`s aggression, President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou has said, rejecting proposals to discuss the hydrocarbons issue in the framework of the UN-led peace talks and the `co-management` or `sharing` of the revenue from their exploitation before solving the Cyprus problem. Turkey with its recent offensive action and the violation of the Republic`s maritime boundaries is obviously seeking a role in Cyprus` natural wealth, Omirou told an event organised by the Union of Occupied Municipalities and the Municipality of Strovolos.
“Turkey is now putting on the negotiating table as a prerequisite for the solution – to secure its unlawful claims over Cyprus` natural wealth in the southern region” said the President of the Parliament.
He said that Ankara`s illegal moves in Cyprus` EEZ aim at canceling the exercising of sovereign rights, by banning drilling, extraction and exploitation of the island`s natural wealth. Omirou underlined that “this predatory, rapacious behavior demands a broad political and diplomatic campaign and national unity. We support the measures decided by the National Council in reaction to Turkey`s unlawful behavior. The measures should escalate as Turkey continues along this path.”
Discussion on hydrocarbon issues, before a political settlement, would lead to recognition of the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in violation of Security Council resolutions 541 and 550, he warned. It would even cancel both the delimitation agreements signed with Egypt, Lebanon and Israel and the agreements with foreign companies to explore and exploit deposits found in the exclusive economic zone, he added. Addressing the same event, on behalf of President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, Minister of the Interior Socratis Hasikos said that the suspension of the Greek Cypriot side`s participation in the Cyprus talks was the least the government could have done in response to the Turkish provocations in its EEZ.
He called on Ankara, if it truly wants the solution of the Cyprus issue, to immediately revoke “its illegal and provocative actions in Cyprus` EEZ so as to allow the resumption of the peace process the soonest possible”. The Minister stressed that the continuation of the illegal occupation of Cyprus` northern part by Turkish troops by force of arms, and the rhetoric used by Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leadership on “two states” and “two peoples” in Cyprus do not help efforts to reach a solution.
“On the contrary”, he went on to add, “their rhetoric moves away from a solution and reveals their intentions which do not seem to lead to a peaceful reunification of Cyprus, its people and its institutions”.
