Greek Cyprus president Anastasiades calls on Turkey and TRNC to end gas standoff and return to talks

Greek Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades has called on Turkey and the Turkish Republic of north Cyprus to return to the negotiating table provided they end the violation of south Cyprus’s sovereign rights inside its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In a written statement issued on Wednesday, amid a standoff over natural gas exploration offshore Cyprus, Anastasiades said the Turkish arguments were neither justified nor based on real facts.

Within this framework, the Republic of Cyprus’ energy planning will continue, he said.

On Tuesday, Turkey extended a blockade that prevents offshore drilling for natural gas by Italian energy firm ENI inside the EEZ.

Two weeks ago Turkish warships, participating in military drills in waters off the east of the island, interrupted the Saipem 12000 drillship while en route to Cuttlefish, a site in block 3 where it was scheduled to drill an exploratory gas well.

Anastasiades called on the Turkish side to end the blockade and resume talks to reunify the island.

I wish once more to publicly invite Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side to immediately respond to my call to return to the negotiating table, provided they end the violation of the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereign rights in the EEZ, he said.

Source: CyprusMail