Eurasia Press & News
The European Parliament held a debate on the topic, “Turkish actions creating tensions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus,” stressing support for the EU member state Cyprus.
Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, said the EU stands firmly by the sovereign rights of its member states to enter into bilateral agreements and to exploit natural resources in line with UN and international law.
“We expect Turkey to respect Cyprus’s sovereign rights in the exclusive economic zone, to show restraint and avoid statements and actions that could cause more friction,” he said, speaking on behalf of EU High Representative Federcia Mogherini, late on Wednesday.
“It is very important that tension is decreased. We hope that the exploitation and eventual exportation of Cyprus’ natural resources can continue and benefits can be shared by all Cypriots,” said Hahn.
The EU official urged the avoidance of any kind of threat or provocative action that could damage good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of the dispute.
He called for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem and added that the EU fully supports UN envoy Espen Barth Eide’s efforts to get the two sides in Cyprus to restart peace talks.
