European Council President Herman Van Rompuy says he expects Turkey to show restraint and act in accordance with international law, in relation to recent tensions over Cyprus` offshore activity in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
A statement by Rompuy`s Spokesperson says moreover that “all parties must do their οutmost to ensure a positive climate in order to continue negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue”.
“The President is concerned about renewed tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean” the statement notes, adding that it is essential that all parties respect the sovereignty of others and are willing to settle disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.
Rompuy notes that the EU has repeatedly stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of member states over their territorial sea.
He goes on by saying that sovereign rights of member states include the right to enter into bilateral agreements and to explore and exploit their natural resources in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Τhe Republic of Cyprus is divided by Turkish troops since 1974. Talks aiming at reaching a solution of the Cyprus problem resumed in February under the UN auspices.
Last week, Turkey issued a notice to mariners, advising that it was reserving areas south of Cyprus for seismic surveys from October 20 to December 30. Some of these areas are part of the Republic`s EEZ.
Following this development, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades decided to suspend, for the time being, his participation in the UN-led peace talks in response to Turkish provocations in the island`s EEZ.