Turkish parties pledge backing to Cyprus drilling

In a joint response to the European Union's decision to impose sanctions on Ankara over its illegal drilling activities within Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), four parties in the Turkish Parliament issued a joint statement on Friday pledging support to their government.
"We find it right and appropriate for our state to continue the exploration of hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean," said an English translation of a declaration signed by ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), opposition Iyi (Good) Party and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
The only party in Parliament not to sign the declaration was the Kurdish HDP, which "strongly cursed" all attempts to ignore "the legitimate rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Republic."

It also expressed its support for a proposal by...