MP Theresa Villiers has expressed serious concern over Turkey’s provocations in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Turkey has issued a NAVTEX (Navigational Telex), a notice to mariners advising that it was reserving areas south of Cyprus, part of which extends into the Republic`s exclusive economic zone where foreign oil companies are drilling, for seismic surveys from October 20 to December 30. Following Turkey’s provocations, Anastasiades announced his decision to suspend his participation in the UN-led negotiations which aim to reunify the island under a federal rule
Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet said: “I welcome the statement made by the Foreign Office expressing their concern at these recent developments. I have campaigned hard for a just lasting and balanced solution for Cyprus and actions like this one can only raise tensions and make it harder to achieve that settlement.”
The Foreign Office statement had expressed “regret” that recent incidents, “such as Turkey’s announcement of exploration activities in the Republic of Cyprus’ EEZ,” have risked raising tensions. It was also stating that there was “an opportunity for Turkey to continue to demonstrate the positive role that it can play in supporting the prospects for a settlement.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.
