ENERGY: EU will respond to \’unacceptable\’ Turkish move off Cyprus

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini said Turkey's new drilling operation northeast of the island was unacceptable and an unnecessary escalation of the energy dispute.

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“Turkey’s declared intention to illegally conduct a new drilling operation northeast of Cyprus is of grave concern,” Mogherini said in a statement.

“This second planned drilling operation, two months after the start of the ongoing drilling operations west of Cyprus, is a further unacceptable escalation which violates the sovereignty of Cyprus.”

Brussels called on the Turkish authorities to refrain from such actions, act in a spirit of good neighbourliness and respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus in accordance with international law.

“Recalling the conclusions of the European Council on 20 June 2019, Turkey's continued actions have a serious negative impact across the range of EU-Turkey relations,” said the statement.

“As mandated by the European Council, the Commission and the EEAS are about to present options to the Council for appropriate measures. The European Union will respond appropriately and in full solidarity with Cyprus,” it added.

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