Without a solution, Turkey is being facilitated in the promotion of its goal of partition
Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou on Turkey’s illegal actions in the Republic of Cyprus’ EEZ
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 18 June 2019, Nicosia
Turkey’s actions and general behaviour within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus are unacceptable, illegal and condemnable. Cyprus expects from its European partners, in view of the upcoming Council, to demonstrate in practice their solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and send out very clear messages to Turkey.
Turkey’s behaviour, although unacceptable and illegal, was predictable. Besides AKEL had warned that without a solution to the Cyprus problem and in conditions of a negotiation vacuum, we unfortunately will continuously find Turkey before us issuing threats and provoking.
Faced with the illegal actions of Turkey and the international mobilization to address its unacceptable behaviour, the government is called upon to bring back on the agenda the continuation of negotiations to reach a solution, as set out by the UN Secretary General, with the essential precondition of course that, Turkey will terminate its illegal actions. Without a solution to the Cyprus problem, Turkey is being facilitated in the promotion of its goal of partition.
With the convergences with regards the maritime zones, natural resources and the distribution of federal revenues, the solution of the Cyprus problem in effect also resolves the issues relating to Natural Gas between the two communities. The only issue that will remain pending is that of the delimitation of the EEZ with Turkey.
Consequently, any assertion by Turkey that it is supposedly protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriots will automatically disappear and Turkey itself will be put under the international community’s judgment as regards its intentions.
