Cyprus to react if Turkish vessel violates sovereign rights

Cyprus Government Spokesman Vassilis Palmas said on Monday that the Republic of Cyprus would react in the appropriate manner if its sovereign rights, its continental shelf or any other right that offends the nation is violated.

Replying to questions, Palmas said that, according to reports, Turkish vessel ”Piri Reis” will be carrying out seismic research from September 10 to 22 in the area west or northwest of the Republic of Cyprus. ”There is nothing more concrete relating to this information at this stage,” he added as he commented on the reports.

Palmas noted that if the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus were impinged, then the Republic, as an independent state and a member of the international community, would do ”everything that has to be done in the event that there is any violation of its sovereign rights, its continental shelf or anything that offends the Republic.”

Cyprus has invited tenders from the oil industry to carry out oil exploration off its coast to determine whether there are any oil or natural gas reserves in its exclusive economic zone. Turkey has reacted to this with threats and protests to the UN, claiming it must have a say on such matters as well.

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