Greece said on Thursday that it expects Turkey to abide by International Law, during a regular press briefing by foreign ministry spokesman Grigoris Delavekouras.
The spokesman said that Greece is in constant contact and close cooperation "at all levels" with the Republic of Cyprus and with all its other EU partners "so that we may have a precise picture and absolute coordination", due to the deportment of Turkey "which is constantly trying to create tension", in reply to a question on whether there is cooperation between the Greek foreign and defence ministries with the Cypriot leadership in view of the imminent commencement of exploration drills in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and threats voiced by Turkey if Cyprus goes ahead with the exploration.
"Very good planning and analysis is needed on our side, so that we are prepared," Delavekouras said, adding that "we have a fundamental interest in there being calm in our region".
To another question on the latest Turkish threats, Delavekouras noted that the Republic of Cyprus, in agreement with its neighbors, has entered into agreements delineating its EEZ, adding that Cyprus was going ahead with its self-evident rights, which are consolidated by International Law, for exploration and exploitation of its natural resources.
"This cannot be disputed by anyone, and is reflected in the statements of all the international factors that have interest in the matter," Delavekouras said.
He added that Turkey, "precisely because it has no arguments, is attempting to aggravate the tones and is making rhetorical threats".
"We believe that Turkey needs to acknowledge the reality, which is set out by International Law, and act with clear-headedness and not contribute further to the creation of tension," the spokesman concluded.
AMNA
