EU tells Turkey to avoid damaging actions after Cyprus ship incident

The European Union's executive on Monday called on Turkey to "refrain from any actions that might damage good neighborly relations" after Cyprus, a member of the bloc, accused the Turkish military of obstructing a ship exploring for gas.

Cyprus is one of several states, also including Israel and Lebanon, racing to tap gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean.

Greek Cypriots run Cyprus's internationally recognized government while Turkish Cypriots run a breakaway state in the north recognized only by Ankara and say resources around the island belong to them too.

Cyprus on Sunday said the Turkish military had obstructed a vessel contracted by Italian oil company Eni which was approaching an area to explore for natural gas.

"Turkey needs to commit unequivocally to neighborly relations and avoid any kind of source of friction, threat or action...