The government has briefed parliamentary party leaders on action it has taken, to counteract Turkish threats against Cyprus` sovereign right to exploit natural resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). “There was a very useful exchange of views,“ Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said after a meeting of the Informal Council of Political Leaders, convened by President Demetris Christofias.
“Everybody`s concern is to safeguard, through political and diplomatic moves, our sovereign right to explore and exploit the Republic’s natural wealth, wherever this may lie,“ he added.
Replying to questions, Stephanou referred to the positive response by various important states and the EU itself concerning of Cyprus` decision to exercise its sovereign right and proceed with exploration in its EEZ. “I think that this sends a strong message concerning both the protection of this right as well as the attitude of Turkey,“ he said.
Houston-based company ‘Noble Energy’ is expected to begin drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ late September. The company has a concession to explore for hydrocarbons in an offshore field in Cyprus` EEZ, south of Cyprus, known as Block 12. Recently senior Turkish government officials have warned that Ankara will not hesitate to deploy warships in the Mediterranean.
