Cyprus-Forum.com

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FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE 27.AUG.09
The government is handling with caution Turkey’s reactions to Cyprus’ search for hydrocarbons in its Exclusive Economic Zone, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said.

Asked if this issue affects the ongoing direct negotiations on the Cyprus question, Stephanou said that Turkish reactions in Turkey and Cyprus’ northern Turkish occupied to surveys the government is conducting in its Exclusive Economic Zone are well known, adding that Nicosia will continue to exercise its sovereign rights.

“The government handles all provocative moves coming from Turkey. We do not accept the opening of energy chapter in Turkey’s EU accession negotiations, as long as Ankara continues this provocative attitude towards an EU member state,” the Spokesman stressed.

Stephanou said that the government is handling the issue in a responsible manner because one cannot rule out the possibility that Ankara’s moves aim at creating tension which will divert attention from the peace effort aiming at a negotiated settlement in Cyprus.

The government, he added, defends its sovereign rights on the basis of international law. - (KYPE)

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