The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU, Nicolas Emiliou has urged the General Affairs Council (GAC) which convened in Brussels to include the issue of Turkey`s illegal actions within the Cyprus EEZ in the October European Council agenda, in particular on the issue of “current foreign policy issues”.
Nicosia’s request was supported by the Deputy Minister of European Affairs of Greece, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis.
The Permanent Representative, informed the GAC that the situation has not improved since last June (when the issue was discussed in the Council), but has worsened, in a series of provocative actions, of Turkey and statements, by senior Turkish state officials included.
“We supported Cyprus’ request and added that Erdogan’s statements that make a tool out of the refugee issue and threaten that if all his demands are not met, he will increase the flows, should also be discussed” the Greek Deputy Minister for European Affairs said after the meeting.
“We raised the issue of Turkish provocations both in terms of violating the sovereignty of Cyprus and the threats that our country faces with the refugee issue,” he added.
It is noted that the June European Council has stated that it would remain seized on this issue.
(Cyprus News Agency)
