The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Tuesday regarding Ankara’s fresh drilling intentions inside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus.
“This is yet another provocation which ignores appeals by the European Union and the international community to respect international law and the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus,” Athens stated.
It is noted that on Sunday, Ankara announced that its state-owned Fatih and Yavuz drilling ships, along with the research vessels called “Barbaros” and “Orucreis” will continue their operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey also said that its Navy will provide security for these oil research and drilling vessels.
The Greek Foreign Ministry in its statement also noted that this new action of Turkey ”confirms, for the umpteenth time, Turkey’s destabilizing role, as well as its characterization as the ultimate violator of international law in the region.”
Athens concluded by reiterating to Ankara that ”repeating and insisting on illegal behavior does not produce any legal consequences, nor does it create a fait accompli,” declaring its full and unequivocal support to Cyprus.
.@GreeceMFA announcement on Turkey’s declaration of illegal drilling within the continental shelf and EEZ of the Republic of #Cyprus
🔗 https://t.co/N5ogBXhsuK https://t.co/Kv8fRSyfkF
— Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (@GreeceMFA) April 21, 2020
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