Barnier: EU ready to respond to Turkish provocations

Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief negotiator for Brexit, reiterated on Monday EU readiness to respond accordingly in case Turkey carries out illegal hydrocarbon drilling activities, noting that the EU stands clearly behind Cyprus.
Barnier, who is currently visiting Cyprus in the context of a tour to European capitals to discuss the situation concerning Brexit, met with Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicos Christodoulides, who briefed him on Turkey's recent illegal operations within Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
"The EU stands clearly behind Cyprus and expects Turkey to respect the sovereign rights of the EU member-states," Barnier said, echoing remarks by European Council President Donald Tusk after the EU Summit in Sibiu, Romania.
Barnier also said "we express grave concern over Turkey's announced intention to carry out drilling activities...