The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Öncü Keçeli, issued a statement in response to the approval of the "Maritime Spatial Planning" by the Council of Ministers of the Greek Cypriot Administration on December 20, 2023.

Keçeli emphasized that the areas outlined in the "Maritime Spatial Planning," based on a European Union directive and prepared by all member states, infringe upon the rights of both Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Türkiye has consistently registered the outer limits of its continental shelf in the Mediterranean with the United Nations, first in 2004 and most recently in 2020. Keçeli reiterated that unilateral actions by the Greek Cypriot Administration regarding maritime jurisdiction areas would not be accepted.

Highlighting that Türkiye has legitimate rights and jurisdiction in the maritime areas west of the Island of Cyprus, and Turkish Cypriots have legitimate rights around the Island, Keçeli condemned the Greek Cypriot Administration's initiatives as "illegitimate and outright greedy," stating that they undermine efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just, and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue.

Türkiye continues to expect third parties, including the European Union, to consider the negative repercussions of maritime jurisdiction-related issues on the Cyprus issue's solution process. Keçeli urged the Greek Cypriot side to refrain from creating a fait accompli and encouraged cooperation with the TRNC based on the realities on the island. (ILKHA)