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Written question asked by Theresa Villiers (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 July 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 2021 (named day). It was answered by Wendy Morton (Conservative) on Monday, 12 July 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Cyprus: Turkey

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his counterpart in Turkey on the incursion into the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone by Turkish drilling ships.

Answer

The UK has consistently stated our support for the sovereign right of the Republic of Cyprus to exploit the oil and gas in its internationally agreed Exclusive Economic Zone. We continue to believe that any development of Cyprus' oil and gas should be for the benefit of all Cypriots. We believe the most enduring way of resolving difficult issues such as this is to achieve a Cyprus settlement. We encourage all parties to redouble their efforts in pursuit of this.

We welcome Turkey's withdrawal of survey vessels from waters around Cyprus and the Aegean in recent months as a significant contribution towards de-escalation of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. We urge all parties to support measures aimed at de-escalation and reducing tensions; and to resolve issues through dialogue. The UK will continue to work with all parties in support of this.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
28123
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Cyprus Exclusive economic zone Shipping Turkey Offshore drilling
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk