Press Releases

Paragraphs concerning Cyprus

The Heads of State and Government reiterated their unwavering support to the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to reach a comprehensive, just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem based on the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and international law. They called on Turkey to terminate its provocative actions and to contribute constructively and in concrete terms for the resumption of structured and result-oriented negotiations for a comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. Such a solution must be compatible with the Republic of Cyprus’ capacity as an EU member state and fully safeguard its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. To this end, the termination of the anachronistic security arrangements and the withdrawal of foreign forces remain a sine qua non for the Republic of Cyprus as a sovereign State. They stressed that the United Nations remains the only framework through which a settlement can be achieved.

The Heads of State and Government expressed their grave concern regarding the current escalation within the maritime zones in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. In particular, they strongly condemned Turkey’s ongoing actions in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters, which violate international law, as well as new attempts to illegally conduct drilling operations in Cyprus’ EEZ / continental shelf, in marine areas already delimited, in accordance with international law. They expressed their concern over increased militarization of the area that threatens the wider stability, peace and security in the Mediterranean Sea. They stressed the importance for the respect of the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of each state in its Maritime Zones in accordance with international law, and as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS) and called for the immediate termination of all illegal exploration activities. Furthermore, the Heads of State and Government condemned violations of Greek national airspace and territorial waters in the Aegean Sea, in contravention of international law. They also emphasized the universal character of the UNCLOS and the importance to proceed expeditiously with the negotiations on the delimitation of their common maritime boundaries, as appropriate.

The Heads of State and Government expressed their desire to continue strengthening their cooperation through a series of agreements on the exploration and transfer of natural gas, which further highlights the fact that the discovery of hydrocarbons reserves can serve as a catalyst for regional stability and prosperity. In this regard, they welcomed the announcement for the establishment of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), to be located in Cairo, as an important mechanism to coordinate gas policies, and align the energy sector with sustainable development, which is of pivotal importance to the region’s stability, and agreed to intensify and conclude discussions to elevate the EMGF to the level of a regional organization. To this end, they recognized the importance of establishing an electrical grid between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, such as the framework agreement between the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company and the Euro Africa Interconnector Company on 22 May 2019.

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RM/MAK/II