Borrell Calls on Turkey to Halt Drilling Activities in Cyprus

The Turkish authorities must immediately stop drilling activities in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus and engage in dialogue with the European Union to alleviate tensions in the region, said Josep Borrell, head of EU diplomacy, according to TASS.

“I urge the Turkish authorities to stop such actions immediately and to engage fully and in good faith in comprehensive dialogue with the European Union,” Borrell stated in his announcement.

The document notes that Turkey's announcement of starting drilling activities in the maritime zone of Cyprus and Egypt escalates further tension and highlights the absence of security in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

On Sunday, the Cypriot authorities issued a statement informing Mediterranean ship captains about Turkey's violations of the exclusive economic zone limits.

Since 1963, Turkey has not recognized the Republic of Cyprus, disputing the limits of its exclusive economic zone and claiming that its ships are operating in the mining area under a license granted by the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Ankara.