Nicosia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its strong condemnation and rejection of the publication of Turkey’s maritime spatial planning in a statement issued today, “as the Turkish map includes areas of the Cypriot EEZ/continental shelf, which Turkey illegally claims.”
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Turkish map is contrary to the recognised principle of the Convention on the Law of the Sea and customary international law on the rights of islands in the EEZ and continental shelf. It constitutes a unilateral Turkish action, which does not produce any legal effects vis- -vis third states to the extent that it affects their sovereign rights.
The statement further highlights Ankara’s provocative and unlawful behavior, indicating a continued departure from international law. It is emphasized that maritime spatial planning is an obligation for EU Member States, based on a relevant Directive. The Republic of Cyprus implemented this Directive by adopting national legislation in 2017 and submitted its national plan in 2023.
The Republic of Cyprus remains committed to defending its legitimate rights through legal, political, and diplomatic means, grounded in international and European law, the statement concludes.