A renewal on the part of Turkey of an illegal maritime order (Navtex) for areas within the Republic of Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), knowing that such an action would prevent the resumption of talks for the reunification of Cyprus would send a negative message to the international community, Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides has told CNA.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
Turkey issued on October 3 a NAVTEX and reserved a large swathe inside Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for seismic surveys from October 20 to December 30.
President Nicos Anastasiades decided in October to suspend his participation in the UN-backed negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem, after Turkish seismic exploration vessel Barbaros entered Cyprus` EEZ, a few days after the illegal maritime order was issued by Turkey.
Christodoulides was asked by CNA to comment on an interview in the “Cyprus Weekly” of UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide as regards the connection of hydrocarbons and the Cyprus issue.
“The connection between hydrocarbons and the Cyprus issues is that it (natural gas) constitutes the most powerful incentive for Turkey and Turkish Cypriots to resolve the Cyprus issue and as soon as possible”, he said.
At the same time referring to the possibility of a renewal of the Turkish Navtex, Christodoulides noted that if Turkey goes ahead and renews its Navtex, “while knowing that such an action would not allow for talks to resume, it will unfortunately be sending the international community a negative message as regards the possibility of resumption of talks”.
Asked why a scheduled meeting between President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades and parliamentary party leaders at the Presidential retreat in Troodos was postponed, he said it was due to bad weather conditions.
The meeting, which will focus exclusively on the Cyprus issue, is now rescheduled to take place on Monday, at 1130 hrs, at the Presidential Palace.