THE Foreign Ministry has said that Cyprus has the sovereign and inalienable right to explore and exploit its natural resources in its own exclusive economic zone.

The remarks come after Ankara is again resorting to threats and blackmail in connection with gas exploratory drilling in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus, following a second round of licencing.

Nicosia said that Ankara is displaying once more its real face by intimidating companies who bided for the Republics second licensing round for exploring offshore hydrocarbons. Two of these companies, it is noted, are from EU member states.

Cyprus and its people will reap the benefits of natural gas and oil exploration, the government has reiterated, pointing out that President Demetris Christofias has made it abundantly clear that the Turkish Cypriots will enjoy benefits in this respect from a political settlement of the question of Cyprus.

Furthermore, it is added that the Republic of Cyprus will continue to act in line with international and EU law, while pursuing its policy towards the exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves.

Turkey, as an occupation force is burdened with a heavy load of international law violations, both internationally and in the interior of the country, the Ministrys announcement goes on.

It adds that it comes as no surprise that the Turkish Foreign Ministry communiqué confirms therefore that Ankara continues to disrespect relevant international law provisions and violate its own international commitments.

The Cyprus government expresses its certainty that Turkish threats will once more fall on deaf ears, the communiqué adds.

Moreover, it notes that Turkey continues to hold the Turkish Cypriot community hostage to its own strategic interest.

Instead of admonitions and threats, Turkey should finally take the decision to end the military occupation [of Cyprus] and act in a way that does not contradict efforts for the speedy reunification of Cyprus through a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem the Ministry communiqué notes.

Such a solution will allow all Cypriots to enjoy unhindered and in peace all that their country has to offer them, the Foreign Ministry concludes.

Meanwhile, House President Yiannakis Omirou said that the EU needs to make clear to Turkey that its accession course will be put on halt if Ankara continues to question the Convention on the Law of the Sea, which the Union has ratified.

He added that all those interested in the regions security and stability should intervene, asking Turkey to stop behaving like a trouble maker and an offender of international law.

We ought to remain firm in defending the basic principles of a Cyprus solution, to pave the way towards stability and peace and reinstate justice, Omirou said in an address at a ceremony in the village of Pigenia, in Nicosia District, during which he unveiled the busts of community heroes, killed or missing since the intercommunal fighting of 1964 and the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Published by :famagusta-gazette.com