Brussels, 22/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 21 October, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle called for the tension over gas to be calmed between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey. On 20 October, Nicosia criticised the presence of Turkish war ships in its exclusive economic zone. Cyprus accuses Turkey of conducting “provocative and illegal” manoeuvres, in breach of its sovereignty. On 6 October, Cyprus had announced the suspension of negotiations on the Cypriot question with Turkish Cypriot leaders in order to protest about the presence of Turkish vessels in its exclusive economic zone (see EUROPE 11172). “Time to de-escalate and keep doors open for swift return to negotiations for comprehensive Cyprus settlement to the benefit of all”, Füle stated on Twitter.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades is due to discuss the situation with his counterparts at the European Council on 23-24 October. His minister for foreign affairs, Ioannis Kasoulides, also addressed the subject at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 21 October.
On 7 October, the spokesperson for European Council President Herman Van Rompuy spoke of Van Rompuy's concerns regarding “renewed tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean”. “It is essential that all parties respect the sovereignty of others and are willing to settle disputes peacefully in accordance with international law”, he said. The spokesperson added that all the parties should do their utmost to ensure a positive climate in order to continue negotiations on the Cypriot issue. (CG)