Question: The Greek Cypriot Administration Representative to the UN has claimed through a recently published letter that Turkey violated the air space and maritime jurisdiction areas of “Cyprus”. We would appreciate your views about the subject matter.

Answer: As is known, Turkey has legitimate rights and interests in the maritime areas to the west of longitude 32°16’18”E. These fundamental rights and interests have also been registered to the UN in the past.

It is natural that Turkey takes necessary measures in order to protect her legitimate rights against any kind of activity to be carried out without her consent in the afore-mentioned Turkish maritime jurisdiction areas.

In this context, I would like to reiterate that all concerned parties should act with common sense and avoid activities which could cause tension while the comprehensive settlement negotiations in the Island continue.