LAKKOTRYPIS: No problems so far in Cyprus EEZ

So far no problems have arisen in Cyprus` energy programme from Turkish provocations and the Government is determined to proceed with the completion of the first drilling, Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Yiorgos Lakkotrypis has said.

He added that reports were flowing in at regular intervals regarding the situation and the movements of Turkish vessels illegally present in Cyprus`exclusive economic zone.

Lakkotrypis said that once drilling by the ENI/Kogas consortium was completed in the potential deposit `Onasagoras` in block 9, probably in December 2014, the drill would be moved to the next site in one of the potential deposits of blocks 2, 3 and 9, adding that everything was on schedule and running smoothly.

The Minister said there had been no prevention of work or any such reports, and pointed out that reports were being sent on a daily basis by the drilling company, and every hour by the state services regarding the movements of the Turkish vessels.

Turkish seismic exploration vessel `Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa` entered Cyprus` exclusive economic zone on Monday, a few days after Turkey issued a NAVTEX for the area.