The Council of political party leaders has endorsed a suggestion by the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades to suspend his meetings as well as the meetings of the Greek Cypriot negotiator with the Turkish Cypriot side, Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides announced after a Council meeting on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace.
Christodoulides noted that “the President of the Republic briefed the leaders of the parliamentary parties on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, Turkey's recent provocative actions and the representations which the government has made and will continue to make both at the diplomatic as well as the political level.”
In a different development, UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser for Cyprus Espen Barth Eide arrived on Tuesday afternoon on the island and is expected to have on Wednesday separate meetings with President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. Earlier today, the United Nations Good Offices Mission in Cyprus had announced that the two leaders would be meeting on October 9 in the United Nations Protected Area of Nicosia at the Good Offices Mission.
Government Spokesman told the press that the Council “unanimously condemns and denounces the Turkish offensive activity in the Republic of Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone,” adding that Turkey`s actions constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and of the UN International Law of the Sea Convention, while at the same time jeopardize security, stability and peace in the region.”
He said the Council calls on the European and the international community to respond and react to the provocative Turkish behaviour. He added that the Republic of Cyprus will continue to exercise its sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone.
Christodoulides also said that the Council will be kept updated on developments and that the President expressed his satisfaction with the high sense of responsibility and the climate of consensus which prevailed during the meeting.
Responding to a question, Christodoulides said that “we`ve been from the very first moment in constant contact with” the Italian company ENI “which currently operates within the Republic of Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone.” He refrained however from referring to the content of their discussions.
“We are in constant contact to coordinate our actions,” he noted and assured that the company`s operations continue normally.
Replying to another question concerning the suspension of the talks with the Turkish Cypriot side, Christodoulides said that “it is clear that Turkish actions do not leave any other choice to the Republic of Cyprus.”
He said President Anastasiades informed the leaders of the parliamentary parties on the government`s thoughts and the measures being examined – especially legal ones – adding that as soon as a decision is taken it will be announced.
Responding to another question, Christodoulides said that President Anastasiades has been having since yesterday telephone conversations with European and other leaders, adding that he will also have such conversations today to inform leaders about the situation caused by a notice issued by Turkey to seafarers which binds areas within Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone.
Asked if the government is disappointed over the reaction so far, Christodoulides said that “we expect all states, and especially our EU partners, and also the Security Council Permanent Members to react to this Turkish action.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-backed negotiations aiming to reunite the island under a federal roof began on February 2014, after Anastasiades and Eroglu agreed on a joint communique.
