Cyprus’ government on Tuesday said it was closely monitoring developments after Turkey announced it was aiming to strike a maritime demarcation agreement with Syria once a permanent government is formed in Damascus.
“Any attempt to challenge, influence or disregard the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus constitutes a violation of international law and the Republic of Cyprus will take all available measures at international and European level,” government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis told the Cyprus News Agency.
His reaction came after Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced they were aiming to strike a maritime demarcation agreement with Syria once a permanent government is formed.
Letymbiotis said Cyprus is “closely monitoring developments” and has been assessing the situation from the onset.
He added that President Nikos Christodoulides along with Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis have informed EU leaders about Turkey’s efforts.
Turkey, which backed Syrian rebels who toppled President Bashar al-Assad this month after a 13-year civil war, has been in close contact with the new interim administration of its neighbour, including Turkey’s intelligence chief and foreign minister meeting with de-facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan last week said Ankara would improve ties with Syria including in trade, energy and defence.
Turkey is also planning to start negotiations with the new Syrian administration on a possible maritime demarcation agreement, Transport Minister Uraloglu told reporters.
“Of course an authority must first be established there… It will be on our agenda for sure, but it’s hard to say that it’s on today’s agenda,” Uraloglu said.
The maritime demarcation agreement would be in line with international law and would allow two countries to determine authorities for oil and hydrocarbon exploration, the minister added.
