The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the signing of the illegal “memorandum of understanding” between Turkey and the occupied territories regarding the construction of an undersea natural gas pipeline that will connect Turkey with the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus. This “memorandum,” which was signed during the illegal visit of Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz to the occupied territories, is yet another manifestation of Turkey’s revisionist policy in the Eastern Mediterranean and is part of its ongoing efforts to consolidate the fait accompli of the occupation and further integrate the occupied territories into Turkey.
Under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the unilateral development of energy infrastructure and the promotion of projects of strategic importance, both on land and in the maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus, without the permission of the Republic of Cyprus, constitutes a violation of its sovereignty and sovereign rights. Turkey, as the occupying power, bears full responsibility for the actions taking place in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The Republic of Cyprus condemns Turkey for its latest illegal actions and will continue to do so in international forums, demanding that Turkey finally show respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Republic of Cyprus will continue to defend its legitimate rights, intensifying its efforts at the legal, political, and diplomatic levels, on the basis of international and European law, within all relevant organizations, including the European Union.
