The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) reacted to the “National Maritime Spatial Plan” announced to be accepted by the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC), and emphasized that the unilateral approach of the Greek Cypriot leadership is unacceptable.
In the written statement made by the Ministry, it was stated that the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus announced that it had accepted the so-called “National Marine Spatial Plan” on December 20, 2023, and that the main purpose of this plan is to contribute to the sustainable development of marine energy sectors by adopting an ecosystem-based approach and that the plan includes energy resources, maritime transportation, It was noted that it includes fishing, aquaculture and tourism.
In the statement, it was stated that the plan in question is the latest example showing that the Greek Cypriot leadership continues to act with the mentality of the sole owner of the Island of Cyprus, and it was reminded that the Turkish Cypriot people are equal owners of the waters around the island.
In the statement, it was emphasized that the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus has no authority to say anything or take any steps on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people and included the following statements:
“In addition to the so-called ‘National Maritime Spatial Plan’ declared by ignoring the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people, the Greek Cypriot Administration has gone so far as to publish a map that overlaps with the maritime jurisdiction areas declared by both our country and the Republic of Turkey. This is a situation in which the Turkish Cypriot people have no say.” The so-called plan and map are null and void according to international law and have no validity for us.
“The Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, which continues to violate the equal rights of the Turkish Cypriot people regarding the Island and its surroundings with its unilateral activities, has once again shown that it prefers to escalate tension rather than cooperation on the Island and in the Eastern Mediterranean region, despite all our constructive calls.”
In the statement, the positive calls made by the TRNC to the Greek Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean were reminded and it was noted that all necessary steps would be taken with determination to protect the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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