US recognizes Cyprus rights in its EEZ

The US recognizes Cyprus rights as regards its Exclusive Economic Zone, US State Department Spokesperson Jennifer Psaki has stressed.

“We recognize the Republic of Cyprus’s rights about its resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone. We continue to support strongly the negotiation process conducted under the UN Good Offices to reunify the island into a bizonal bicommunal federation", Psaki said Wednesday.

She added that "we continue to believe that the island’s oil and gas resources as well as all of its resources should be equitably shared between the two communities into the context of an overall settlement. And we certainly believe it is important to avoid actions that may intensify tensions in the region.”

Asked about the decision of Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to suspend the meeting he would held with the Turkish Cypriot leader tomorrow, Psaki said “we welcome the arrival of the special envoy Espen Barth Eide to the island. We continue to support the negotiation process. We encourage the parties to show the necessary commitment and courage to reach a just and lasting comprehensive settlement. We hope that settlement talks can progress successfully.”

The Republic of Cyprus is divided by Turkish troops since 1974. Talks aiming at reaching a solution of the Cyprus problem resumed in February under the UN auspices.

Last week, Turkey issued a NAVTEX (Navigational Telex), a notice to mariners advising that it was reserving areas south of Cyprus for seismic surveys from October 20 to December 30. This lead the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades to the decision not to attend the Cyprus leaders meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday. This decision was backed by all political parties.