France has reiterated its strong support to Cyprus as regards its sovereign rights in its Exclusice Economic Ζone.
According to a written statement, issued Wednesday by Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides, President of France Francois Hollande has sent a letter of reply to Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in which he reiterates his country`s firm and clear position on the issue.
“The Cyprus government welcomes the strong and clear positions of France with regard to the right of the Republic of Cyprus to exploit its natural resources as well as for the principles that must govern a solution to the Cyprus problem, positions that have been expressed in the most explicit and official manner by the President of the country Mr. Francois Hollande“, the statement says.
It also adds that Hollande, in his letter of reply to Cyprus President , underlines that “the position of France with regard to the right of Cyprus to exploit freely the natural resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone is clear and firm,” and he points out that “international law, and specifically the Law of the Sea, must be respected by all states including Turkey.”
The Spokesman also says that the government notes with satisfaction Hollande’s reference that “France will remind the importance of refraining from any action that is contrary to the Law by anyone.”
With regard to the efforts to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem, the Cyprus Government expresses its satisfaction for the position of France that a solution to the Cyprus problem must be found within the framework of the decisions of the United Nations, and for the statement that “only a solution through negotiations will allow the sharing of the natural resources of Cyprus for the benefit of both communities. This is also the meaning of the messages we address to the Turkish authorities.”
The letter by the French President was sent in response to a letter by President Anastasiades dated 7 October, on the issue of the Turkish violations in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus.
Turkish seismic exploration vessel `Barbaros` entered Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) . The move comes a few days after Turkey issued a maritime order (NAVTEX) for the area. This prompted President Nicos Anastasiades to suspend his participation in the UN backed negotiations which aim to reunify the island under a federal roof.
Consortium ENI/KOGAS has been awarded exploration licenses in Cyprus` EEZ, namely in Blocks 2,3 and 9. ENI completed 2 seismic surveys, and is planning to drill 6 wells in the coming 18 months.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.