ENERGY: Tajani tells Turkey to stop illegal drilling operations in Cyprus EEZ

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani on Monday urged Turkey to immediately halt its illegal drilling operations within Cyprus waters as the international community got behind Nicosia.

He joins Brussels, Washington, France, Israel and Egypt who have all come strongly to defend Cyprus against Turkey’s drillship move seen as provocation.

“I am greatly concerned by Turkey’s plans to drill offshore within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Cyprus,” said Tajani in a statement.

He called on the Turkish authorities to “show restraint and act in accordance with international law by ceasing illegal operations and removing support vessels from the EEZ of Cyprus immediately”.

Tajani cited the European Parliament resolution of 13 November 2014 on Turkish action causing tension in the EEZ of Cyprus.

“Turkey’s intention to drill within the EEZ of Cyprus is a violation of international law. The Republic of Cyprus has the full and sovereign right to explore and exploit natural resources within its EEZ,” he said.

The EP chief said the whole European Parliament is in “full solidarity with the government and the people of Cyprus. We stand with Cyprus in safeguarding its rights underpinned by international and European law.”

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