EU urges Turkey to respect Cyprus's sovereign rights

The European Union has called on Turkey to respect Cyprus's sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Speaking at the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee on Tuesday, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn urged Turkey to show restraint and avoid any more statements or actions that could fuel tension in the area.

“It is very important that all parties de-escalate tension and act constructively,” Hahn said, adding that Brussels fully supports UN envoy Espen Barth Eide's efforts to get the two sides in Cyprus to restart peace talks. Nicosia suspended the negotiations, which resumed earlier this year, in protest at Turkey’s failure to respect its EEZ.

“We very strongly encourage all relevant stakeholders to contribute to a positive climate conducive to a Cyprus settlement for the benefit of all,” the Austrian official said.