European Commission: Turkey’s Yavuz dispatching not conducive to dialogue in good faith

Turkey’s intention to dispatch Yavuz in the Cyprus EEZ does not contribute to an environment conducive to dialogue in good faith, Peter Stano, European Commission and European External Action Service (EEAS) Spokesman stated, following Turkey’s latest announcements.

The Spokesman stated that “following the latest announcement by the Turkish Authorities that the drilling ship Yavuz is going to be dispatched for a new drilling operation, the EU recalls its position concerning Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone”.

“Concrete steps towards creating an environment conducive to dialogue in good faith are needed.”

“Concrete steps towards creating an environment conducive to dialogue in good faith are needed. The intention by Turkey to launch further exploration and drilling activities in the wider region goes, regrettably, in the opposite direction”, Peter Stano clarifies.

“The international law of the sea, the principle of good neighborly relations and the sovereignty and sovereign rights over the maritime zones of all Member States have to be respected. All members of the international community must abide by these principles and should refrain from any actions undermining regional stability and security”, the Spokesman concluded.

Greek Foreign Ministry strongly condemns Turkey’s planned drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ

The Greek Foreign Ministry strongly condemns Turkey’s planned drilling within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, stressing that Turkey`s illegal actions neither have legal effect nor create fait accompli.

In a statement, the Greek Foreign Ministry says that Turkey’s newly planned illegal drilling within the continental shelf and the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, and inside areas which are licensed to European companies, is violating the international law.

“This move forms part of a series of Turkish violations of the international law in the region.”

This move “forms part of a series of Turkish violations of the international law in the region, which extend from invasion and occupation, airspace violations and violations of territorial waters, to violations of the sovereign rights and attempts of usurpation of the submarine resources of other regional states”, the statement says.

Τhe Greek Foreign Ministry expresses the view that these illegal actions serve Turkey’s expansionist aspirations, by attempting to create fait accompli within other states’ territories.

“These illegal actions serve Turkey’s expansionist aspirations, by attempting to create fait accompli within other states’ territories.”

It notes that the violation of international legality neither has legal effect nor creates faits accomplis. “In any event, it is strongly condemned”, the statement concludes.