Cyprus has right to drill in its EEZ, Israel's Lieberman says

Cyprus has the right to conduct oil and gas exploratory drilling in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has said.

Lieberman, who made the comment after talks between Cypriot and Israeli diplomats met in Nicosia on Wednesday, added that all states in the region should respect international laws and sovereignty.

His comments were made as Turkey's survey ship Barbaros continues to conduct seismic studies inside Cyprus's EEZ.

Turkey's recent moves last month prompted the Greek-Cypriot administration to halt UN-brokered negotiations to reunify the Mediterranean island.