CYPRUS: Nicosia calls for concrete EU action against Turkey\’s provocation

Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides called for "collective action" by the EU during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels where he raised the issue of illegal Turkish actions within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Cyprus.

Diplomatic sources told CNA, the Minister’s position was supported by France, Greece and other countries.

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said she spoke on behalf of everyone in stressing "this time we have to act with determination".

Christodoulides presented to his counterparts the current state of affairs and the latest developments regarding the escalation of Turkish provocation with its attempted drilling in violation of the sovereign rights of Cyprus and of European and international law.

"The situation requires collective and concrete action by the Union on the basis of the provisions of the EU Treaties and the joint statements of the Union on this subject."

 He stressed that with its actions, Turkey is not only acting against Cyprus’ energy plans, but against the interests of the whole bloc.

"Turkey has rejected dialogue and international legitimacy,” Christodoulides said.

He said Cyprus has "repeatedly called on Turkey to start talks on the delimitation of maritime zones, a proposal it rejected”.

"Neither the messages sent by the EU and our partners in a spirit of solidarity seem to have been heard so far by Turkey.

To the contrary, Ankara continues its provocative actions a few weeks before and since the adoption of the Progress Report in relation to its accession course and in violation of the commitments it has made towards the Union.”

The Cypriot Foreign Minister had separate discussions on this issue with Mogherini, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Johannes Hahn, Greek Foreign Minister George Katrougalos and the Croatian Foreign Minister Marija Pejčinović Burić.

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