HALC CONDEMNS TURKISH DECLARATION OF INTENT TO INVADE CYPRIOT EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE

CHICAGO, IL — The Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) condemns the NAVTEX issued by Turkey declaring its intention to drill for gas in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the activities of the Turkish drill ship “Fatih” and its supporting vessels.

HALC echoes the statements of concern issued by the United States, Egypt, Russia, and the United Kingdom. HALC also takes note of the European Union’s declarations of solidarity and urges the EU to make that solidarity clear to Ankara by detailing the consequences Turkey will face if it proceeds with its illegal actions in Cyprus’ EEZ and in the Eastern Mediterranean in general.

“Turkey’s actions amount to nothing less than another illegal invasion of Cyprus,” said HALC’s Executive Director, Endy Zemenides. “Cyprus EEZ has been properly declared and delineated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and Cyprus’ activities within it are supported with reservation by the international community and all its neighbors save Turkey. The only bad actor here is Turkey and its latest provocation cannot go unanswered.”

HALC calls on the United Nations Secretary General and Security Council to condemn Turkey’s actions as they endanger international peace, for the US to go beyond its tepid request for Turkey to “refrain” from these actions, and for the EU to detail the consequences Turkey faces — including economic sanctions — for violating the sovereignty of an EU members.