President Nicos Anastasiades briefed the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez over Turkey’s illegal actions against Cyprus and in the Easter Mediterranean, and requested Spain’s support for decisive measures at the EU level.
According to a written statement issued by the Government Spokesman Kyriacos Koushios, Sanchez assured the President of both his and his government solidarity and support.
The telephone conversation with Sanchez took place in the context of Anastasiades’ contacts with European leaders.
Anastasiades and Sanchez discussed issues concerning the EU Multiannual Fiscal Framework, as well as the details associated with the granting of funds to member-states.
The President, Koushos said, raised Cyprus’ special circumstances as a small state with no direct connection with the EU, which has received significant impact in the sectors of tourism and services, on which the Cypriot economy relies upon, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Furthermore, the President of the Republic briefed Mr Sanchez on Turkish illegal actions against the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as Turkey’s destabilising role in wider Eastern Mediterranean, calling for Spain’s support for decisive measures on an EU level,” Koushos said.
“On his part, the Spanish Prime Minister assured the President of the Republic of both his and his government solidarity and support,” the Spokesman added.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey has ignored numerous UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and respect of the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.
Turkish drill ship “Yavuz” arrived last April in the exclusive economic zone (ΕΕΖ) of Cyprus, after Ankara announced another attempt to drill a well in blocks licensed to European companies. This is the 6th time Turkey attempts to drill within the EEZ and continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus, this time in an area that covers part of exploration blocks 6 and 7, which have been licensed to ENI and TOTAL.
In a statement on May 15, EU Foreign Ministers deplored the fact that Turkey has not yet responded to EU calls to cease such activities and reiterated their call on Ankara to show restraint, refrain from such actions, and respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Cyprus, in accordance with international law. EU Foreign Ministers also reaffirmed previous Council and European Council conclusions, notably those of June 2019 and October 2019 on Turkey’s continued illegal activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
(CNA)
