Cyprus has condemned the signing of a memorandum of understanding over the construction of an undersea natural gas pipeline linking Turkey with the north.
The Foreign Ministry said the agreement, signed during Turkish Vice-President Cevdet Yilmaz's visit to the north, represented "another manifestation" of what it described as Turkey's revisionist policy in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Nicosia challenges pipeline agreement
According to the ministry, the memorandum forms part of continued efforts to consolidate the consequences of the occupation and further integrate the occupied areas with Turkey.
Cyprus argued that, under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the unilateral development of energy infrastructure and strategic projects on the territory and maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus without its consent constitutes a violation of its sovereignty and sovereign rights.
"Turkey, as an occupying power, bears full responsibility for actions taking place in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus," the ministry said.
The Foreign Ministry added that the Republic of Cyprus "condemns Turkey for its new illegal actions" and would continue raising the issue at international forums.
Cyprus cites international law
The ministry called on Turkey to respect international law, including UNCLOS and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
It said Cyprus would continue defending its legal rights by intensifying efforts at legal, political and diplomatic levels, based on international and European law.
These efforts, it added, would continue through all relevant organisations, including the European Union.
The statement followed the announcement of plans for an undersea natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the north, with Turkish officials presenting the project as an energy cooperation initiative.
Cyprus, however, maintains that energy developments affecting the island and surrounding maritime areas must respect the authority and rights of the Republic of Cyprus.
Source: CNA
