The Left Group denounces clearly Turkey’s provocations in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 6 May 2019, Nicosia

The Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament, the political force that always supports the struggle of the Cypriot people for liberation and reunification, denounces in a very clear manner yet again Turkey’s provocation in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus.

As a continuation of its previous initiatives, which have led to the adoption of positions by the European Parliament denouncing such actions, the Left Group urges the EU institutions to take immediate steps to effectively counter Ankara’s illegal intentions.

We present the full text of today’s announcement:

“The GUE/NGL Group in the European Parliament denounces Turkey’s declared intention to proceed with drilling in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus. Ankara’s stand violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and undermines efforts aiming at the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem. We express our full solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and call on the EU institutions to make all the necessary representations to stop such actions.

The GUE/NGL Group is convinced that the most effective way to address Turkey’s provocative actions is through the solution of the Cyprus problem based on the agreed framework of bicommunal, bizonal federation, a position we have always proclaimed. The delimitation of the EEZ between Cyprus and Turkey can only take place on the basis of UNCLOS and not through the escalation of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean. The discovery of natural resources off the coast of Cyprus must be utilized for the benefit of all Cypriots, as the convergences recorded in past negotiations provide for, but also as a catalyst for peaceful and mutually beneficial cooperation in the wider region.”