Cyprus Asks European Council to Tackle Turkey's "Aggressive" Behaviour
The row between Turkey and Cyprus has escalated, following a meeting by Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and the European Council in Brussels on Sunday. President Christofias met with the Council to discuss recent threats from Turkey over an exploratory gas drilling being conducted in Cypriot waters by Noble Energy Inc.
A Turkish warship was ordered into the area after the drilling began in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with other navy boats and vessels following.
Turkey has vowed to halt any cooperation or operations with the EU when Cyprus takes a six-month presidency of the EU next summer if the issue has not been resolved to the country's satisfaction by then.
Speaking after the meeting, President Christofias said that he had met with the council to discuss Turkey's "aggressive" behaviour to Cyprus.
"I wondered what position the European Council takes when a country knocking on the door of the EU is following a shameless aggressive policy against a member state, and I am referring to Turkey with its aggressive and provocative behaviour lately, which leads to harsher positions in the Cyprus problem," he said.
"The EU has a duty to make it absolutely clear to Turkey that it is not possible for a third country to set terms regarding who will be holding the presidency, at any time."
The issue will again be discussed at the European Council on 9 December.
President Christofias yesterday called off a visit to Noble's rig in the Mediterranean Sea, amid rumours that it would incite further ire from Turkey. The president cited a "very busy schedule" as the reason for the cancellation.
In other news, Cyprus' national television station has reported that Russian giant Gazprom has expressed an interest in Cypriot gas exploration, according to newspaper Famagusta Gazette.
According to the paper, the television channel reported that Gazprom is due to begin exploration drilling in two offshore areas, close to where Noble Energy is currently drilling.