Cyprus called on the Turkish seismic ship “Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa” to immediately stop illegal actions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus (EEZ) and on the continental shelf. “[Seismic intelligence in this region] is a violation of international law and maritime security procedures, as well as a criminal offense in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Cyprus,” – said in a thematic report in Navtex system.

Ankara has already sent several times its seismic research vessel “Barbaros” to the Cypriot EEZ after the decision of Cyprus to start offshore exploration drilling in 2011. Turkey claims a part of the continental shelf of the island, claiming that hydrocarbon activities outside Cyprus are also aimed at protecting the rights of Turkish Cypriots and accusing the Greek Cypriot side in an attempt to usurp them.

Turkey’s defense minister, Hulusi Akar, said earlier this week that the country has always protected its interests at sea and will continue to do so, adding that Turkey will also not let Turkish Cypriot rights be ignored.