Cyprus president ready for talks with Turkey
(VOVWORLD) - Cyprus is ready to talk with Turkey to resolve a dispute over Mediterranean drilling rights but not under threats, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Wednesday.
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 Cyprus’ President Nicos Anastasiades (R) and Charles Michel, President of the European Council at a joint press conference in Nicosia on September 16, 2020 (Photo: AFP)
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According to Anastasiades, Turkey is continuing its provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
On Tuesday Turkey extended its drilling operations of its Yavuz energy drill ship in disputed Mediterranean waters off Cyprus until October 12, in a move guaranteed to increase tensions between the two countries.
In the EU's annual message to the European Parliament on Wednesday, EC President Ursula von der Leyen warned Turkey not to threaten Greece and Cyprus.
She said Ankara plays a key role in hosting millions of refugees but none of this is justification for attempts to intimidate its neighbours.
She also affirmed that Greece and Cyprus can count on Europe’s full solidarity on protecting their legitimate sovereignty rights.