Nicosia to press on with energy plans

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades says Nicosia's energy plans are moving forward while criticizing Ankara for seeking preconditions for dialogue.
Anastasiades, who attended an event for the Maronite community on Sunday, told reporters that Nicosia would press on with energy plans even if Turkey were to propose a drilling freeze on all sides.
"We cannot relinquish our status as a state for the sake of dialogue just because Turkey is disputing us as a Republic," Anastasiades said.
Greek Cypriot media over the weekend reported on sources saying Turkey was seeking international support in readying a plan to propose a halt on drilling activities and a resumption of peace talks.
Last month, Ankara threw a hint that it was in favor of a halt to drilling activities off the island's south, saying that otherwise Turkey would continue exploration in contested waters to...