Turkish research vessel “Barbaros” has reportedly departed from Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after five months that caused Cyprus’ fierce reaction. Its destination has not been confirmed yet.
In October 2014, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades suspended his participation in the United Nations-backed peace talks following a Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) issued by Turkey for the conduction of hydrocarbons research within Cyprus’ EEZ by the seismic vessel Barbaros. The vessel was escorted by a number of Turkish Navy ships.
Cyprus’s deputy government spokesman Victor Papadopoulos noted that Nicosia “would only return to talks to settle the Cyprus problem when Ankara takes practical steps to affirm its respect for the nation’s sovereign rights.”
This development comes at the same time the newly elected President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos wrapped up an official two-day visit to Cyprus and the divided capital Nicosia. The relations between Greece and Cyprus have become even stronger, the Greek President highlighted on Monday during a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart. Mr. Pavlopoulos, on his second day in Cyprus, visited the Greek Contingent in Cyprus (ELDYK), in line with the provisions of the 1960 Constitution which established the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the so-called “Green Line” dividing the island’s capital and met with representatives of various groups and committees.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades welcomed the departure of ‘Barbaros’ from the island’s EEZ, adding “that it was important that Ankara did not issue a new maritime order or a new Navigational Telex.”
“The fact that the ‘Barbaros’ has left is a positive step. What is left is for the NAVTEX not to be renewed and for Cyprus’s sovereign rights not to be disregarded,” President Anastasiades said.
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