GUE/NGL President Gabi Zimmer said: “The Turkish Government has taken a serious provocative decision against the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey has unilaterally and illegally issued a notice to mariners, which binds areas within Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“This is a clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Furthermore, it violates various EU Council Conclusions and European Parliament resolutions which reaffirm the rights of Cyprus regarding its EEZ and call on Turkey to establish good neighbourly relations.”

Zimmer called on Turkey to immediately recall such illegal acts and to fully abide by international law.

She continued: “Such unilateral acts undermine the talks for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. Turkey bears responsibility for the current suspension of the talks and for the escalation of tensions.

“We expect the EU to take an immediate and unequivocal position against diplomatic and other threats and actions by Turkey with regards to this issue. We are disappointed with the lack of criticism of Turkeys’ actions by the Enlargement Commissioner during his presentation of the Turkey progress report today in the European Parliament. The European Parliament should be ready to defend its decisions regarding the right of any member state to explore and make use of its sources within its EEZ.”

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
David Lundy +32 470 85 05 09
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group