FM Christodoulides to brief his EU counterparts about Turkey's illegal activities

Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides will brief his EU counterparts on Turkey`s illegal activities in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

CNA has learned that Christodoulides will seize the opportunity to brief the EU Foreign Ministers about the Turkish provocations in Cyprus’ EEZ during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting that will take place on Monday in Brussels.

The Foreign Affairs Council will start with a discussion on current affairs, allowing ministers to review pressing issues on the international agenda.

The Foreign Affairs Council will also meet on Tuesday with the participation of EU Defence Ministers who will take stock of progress made on the permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) and discuss in particular the implementation of the 34 PESCO projects. The Council is expected to adopt its recommendation of the first annual report on PESCO implementation.

Moreover, Defence Ministers will exchange views, over lunch, on EU-NATO cooperation with Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller.

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Thursday after the informal EU Summit in Romania that “the European Union stands united behind the Republic of Cyprus and expects Turkey to respect sovereign rights of the EU Member State” and that the European Council will continue to follow these developments closely. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades informed the EU leaders during the informal European Council about the Turkish drilling activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Ankara issued a navigational telex, announcing its intention to start drilling off Cyprus until September 3. The Turkish drill ship “Fatih” is located almost 40 nautical miles west of the Akamas peninsula and 83 nautical miles from the Turkish coast. The area falls within the EEZ and continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus.