The European Council’s decision to suspend high-level talks with Ankara won’t affect Turkey’s determination to continue energy activities in the region, the Turkish foreign ministry said.
According to the ministry, the decision shows how prejudiced and biased the European Union is on the Cyprus issue as Turkish Cypriots, as they have equal rights to the natural resources of the island. Thus, Turkey will continue to protect its and Turkish Cypriots’ rights and will increase its activities in this aspect.
“The decisions will not affect in the slightest our country’s determination to continue hydrocarbon activities in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the ministry statement said.
The EU suspended negotiations on the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement and agreed not to hold the Association Council and further meetings of the EU-Turkey high-level dialogues for the time being.
Ankara, says that certain offshore zones fall under the jurisdiction of Turkey or of Turkish Cypriots. Cyprus was divided in 1974 after a Turkish invasion triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup.
