Egypt Warns of Moves To Violate Cypriot Rights

Egypt has warned on Sunday against the repercussions of any unilateral procedures that could breach the rights of Cyprus and pose threats to the security and stability of the Middle East region.

Foreign Ministry Ahmed Hafez Spokesman said Egypt reaffirms respect for the rights and sovereignty of Cyprus in the Middle East under the international law and the United Nations maritime-related conventions, including the areas in which Cyprus has a license to explore for oil and natural gas.

The spokesman emphasized the necessity to comply with respecting and implementing the provisions and rules of international law.

Earlier today, the Cypriot government condemned Turkey’s newly planned illegal drilling within the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus, according to Cyprus News Agency.

In a statement issued regarding the illegal activities of Turkey within Cyprus’ EEZ, the presidency said that Turkey is provocatively ignoring the repeated calls by the international community and the European Union to terminate its illegal activities in Cyprus’ EEZ.

Turkey is now attempting to carry out a "new illegal drilling in the southern EEZ/continental shelf of Cyprus, inside exploration block 8, which was duly licensed to the European companies ENI and TOTAL", according to the statement.