Turkey is turning into a pirate state, the President of Cyprus has declared, after Turkey announced plans to send a new drilling vessel to Cypriot waters, Cyprus Mail reports.
“In the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey is turning into a pirate state. Despite the détente that had been established in the region, Turkey insists on a path of international illegality,” the statement by the President of Cyprus said.
Cyprus and Greece contest Turkey’s claims in the region. Turkey maintains that the attempts of the internationally recognised government of Cyprus to carry out gas exploration are a violation of the rights of Turkish Cypriots.
Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Fatih Donmez, had earlier announced that the Yavuz drilling rig would be positioned to carry out drilling operations in Cyprus.
Peter Stano, the European Commission’s representative for foreign affairs, likewise condemned Turkey’s plans, declaring that this step had breached the conditions for dialogue.
