Çavuşoğlu: “We will continue our drilling works in the areas where the TRNC has granted a license”

16 May, 2019

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu stated that Turkey will always defend the rights of Turkey and Turkish Cypriot people in the Eastern Mediterranean.

After receiving the chairman of Romania’s parliamentary committee on European Affairs Angel Tilvar, Çavuşoğlu replied to the questions of journalists at the European Union Presidency

Reiterating that reactions came from some countries regarding Turkey’s preparation of drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, Çavuşoğlu stated that the Ambassadors of P5 and the European Union member countries were invited to the Turkish Foreign Ministry and they were informed regarding the situation. Çavuşoğlu said: “Everyone has seen the truth. Turkey conducts drilling activities on its own continental shelf”.

Çavuşoğlu noted that Turkey will continue its own drilling works in the areas where the TRNC has granted a license” and said:

“The declaration of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by any country which we do not accept and we are not involved in, does not mean it is valid. Such statements to which Turkey did not say yes and is not involved in are not approved. It is not acceptable to us. On the other hand, Turkey has also recorded its own continental shelf with the UN. Moreover, we will continue our drilling works in the areas where the TRNC has granted a license”.

Çavuşoğlu pointed out that although the Greek Cypriot side, the EU and the international community were warned by Turkey, the Greek Cypriot side still continues to conduct unilateral drilling activities without guaranteeing the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

“The problem is here. This issue needs to be resolved. Instead of making statements against Turkey, this issue fundamentally has to be resolved. Then the reserves around Cyprus can be evaluated in a proper way and can be transferred to international markets via Turkey. If they take a unilateral step instead of a rational approach, then we will do what is necessary” Çavuşoğlu added.