EU slams Turkey over Cyprus gas blockade

The EU28 has called on Turkey to cease all illegal activity in the Republic of Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone and normalize its relations with Nicosia, in the Spring European Council official conclusions.

With regard to the two Greek soldiers under custody in Turkey, the EU28 called for the speedy return to their homeland.

Μore specifically, in the final text, under the title "Actions by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea", the EU28 agreed on the following:

"The European Council strongly condemns Turkey`s continued illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea and underlines its full solidarity with Cyprus and Greece."

"Recalling its conclusions of October 2014 and the Declaration of 21 September 2005, the European Council urgently calls on Turkey to cease these actions and respect the sovereign rights of Cyprus to explore and exploit its natural resources in accordance with EU and International Law."

"In this context, it recalls Turkey`s obligation to respect International Law and good neighbourly relations, and normalize relations with all EU Member States including the Republic of Cyprus."

"The European Council expressed its grave concern over the continued detention of EU citizens in Turkey, including two Greek soldiers, and calls for the swift and positive resolution of these issues in a dialogue with Member States."

"The European Council will remain seized of these matters".