Reaction from Turkey to the Greek Cypriot Administration regarding arrest warrant issued for the crew of drilling ship Fatih

Regarding the news of the arrest warrant issued by the Greek Cypriot Administration for the crew of drilling ship Fatih and for the executives of the partner companies of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Hami Aksoy stated: “If the Greek Cypriot Administration, who ignores the very existence of the Turkish Cypriots and violates their rights, has really taken such a decision, it will be considered by us as null and void. No one should have any doubt that the necessary response will be given, in the case of such an insolent action.”

Aksoy also stated that Turkey is closely following the news claiming that the Greek Cypriot Administration has reportedly issued an arrest warrant for the crew of their drilling ship Fatih and for the executives of the partner companies of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation.

Aksoy mentioned that the Greek Cypriot Administration cannot take such a legal action based on a so-called national law, for a unilaterally claimed maritime area which is not delimited in accordance with international law. This is also incompatible with international law.  Aksoy continued:

“Consequently, we will initiate the necessary counter-legal actions, together with our relevant authorities. The methods of the Greek Cypriot Administration in a vain effort to stop our activities within our continental shelf will not yield any result. Turkey will continue to resolutely conduct its oil and natural gas exploration/drilling activities as planned, with a view to protecting its rights in its continental shelf, as well as the rights of the Turkish Cypriots as a co-owner of the island.”