Turkey’s NAVTEX on the eve of talks is a provocative action

Written statement by Stefanos Stefanou, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson on Turkey’s issuing of a NAVTEX

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 28^th March 2017, Nicosia

AKEL denounces the issuing of a new NAVTEX by Turkey within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus and indeed in a period during which there seems to be a prospect of the resumption of the negotiation procedure on the Cyprus problem.

We recall once again that there is a convergence registered with regards the maritime zones, natural resources and the allocation of the federal revenues, which with the solution of the Cyprus problem addresses in a comprehensive way the problem. The only relevant issue that remains is the delimitation of the EEZ with Turkey, which in fact can be resolved only after the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Ankara’s new provocation action proves once again the need for a solution of the Cyprus problem based on principles and the agreed framework. This is the surest and safest way to unhindered utilize our natural gas for the benefit of both communities