Landforms

European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker expressed his support for Cyprus in its standoff with Turkey over the latter's illegal drilling activities within the Eastern Mediterranean island's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Developments are expected in the implementation of Cyprus' energy planning in the next few days, the country's Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said on Thursday, speaking at an event to mark Europe Day in Nicosia.
Christodoulides also said Cypriot authorities will "very soon" issue the first arrest warrants for the crew of Turkey's Fatih drillship off Cyprus.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades are expected to seek the support of European Union leaders, especially German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, at Thursday's informal EU summit in Romania over Turkey's plans to drill for hydrocarbons in the East Mediterranean island's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Cyprus says it will rally support from fellow European Union countries and others to counter Turkey's bid to drill in waters where the east Mediterranean island nation has exclusive economic rights.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said Wednesday that he will outline Turkey's actions to other EU leaders at a summit in Romania.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has expressed his country's support for the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus during a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides in Paris.

Turkey will send a second drillship to the Eastern Mediterranean, the country's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said adding that seismic research in the area has been completed.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras are expected to brief European Union leaders on Thursday at the informal European Council in Romania about Turkey's illegal drilling activities within the Eastern Mediterranean island's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which the Cypriot leader has described as tantamount to a "second invasion" - after Turkey troops landed

Greece and Cyprus have responded with calm and caution to the tension being stirred up in the Eastern Mediterranean by a Turkey that feels isolated. At the same time, they are taking advantage of regional cooperation schemes and international alliances that have cross-party and long-term support domestically, and are therefore likely to remain unchanged.

Cyprus' president has called Turkey's bid to drill for natural gas in waters off the island a "second invasion" and a violation of international law.

President Nicos Anastasiades said Turkey's behavior creates "insurmountable problems" in efforts to restart talks aimed at reunifying ethnically divided Cyprus. He said Monday there can be no talks while the island remains under threat.

Kathimerini has obtained the map and coordinates submitted by Cyprus to the United Nations on the demarcation of the boundaries of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with Turkey. Kathimerini also presents the letter of the Foreign Ministry to the UN Secretary-General.