Stephanou: Exploitation of Cyprus’ wealth is our sovereign right

The exploration and the exploitation of Cyprus’ wealth is the state’s sovereign right, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has stressed.

Invited Friday to comment on Turkish threats to block hydrocarbon exploration in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, Stephanou pointed out that ''the entire international community should look into the issue, because there are international laws, agreements, there is an order, which everybody should respect, with no exemption”.

The Republic of Cyprus, he went on to add, will do whatever it believes is to the benefit of its vital interests.

“The Republic of Cyprus exercises its sovereign rights. If some do not want to act in line with international law and behave in a way which is provocative to Cyprus and the international community as well, it is up to everybody to judge for himself,” he said.

Asked whether the Republic of Cyprus has protested to the EU about the Turkish threats, he said: “how we shall act is an issue which we will not discuss at present. I reiterate that the Republic, in the framework of international legality, asserts and protects its rights and acts accordingly”.

“The international community as well as the EU – since Turkey aspires to join the Union – must look into this issue,” he noted.

Replying to a question, the Spokesman said that the exploration of hydrocarbon reserves is irrelevant with the ongoing negotiations which began between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus with a view to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem.

''The exploration is Cyprus’ sovereign right”, he noted, adding that when the Cyprus problem is solved and Cyprus is reunified all will benefit from any possible reserves may be found.

He recalled that Cypriot President Demetris Christofias had sent a letter of protest to the UN Secretary General and the European Commission President regarding Turkish harassment against ships which were conducting exploration surveys in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.

''We defend the rights of the Republic of Cyprus. It’s others who act against the law”, he concluded.