In the ongoing dispute between Cyprus and Turkey, over the ownership of offshore natural gas deposits, European Union Mediterranean states, including France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, and Greece stood in support of Cyprus. On Friday, after the 6th South EU Summit, held in Malta, the heads of these nations issued a joint declaration reiterating their full support and solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus in exercising its sovereign rights to explore, exploit and develop its natural resources within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), permitted by EU and international law.

The nations strongly condemned Turkey’s ‘illegal activities’ and asked it to stop the drilling in an area some 40 nautical miles west of Paphos, which is part of Cyprus’s EEZ. The nations also urged the EU bloc to take appropriate measures and not to back down the matter until the issue is completely resolved.

European Council said in a statement, “We recall Turkey’s obligation to respect international law and good neighbourly relations. We express our deep regret that Turkey has not responded to the European Union’s repeated calls condemning Turkey’s illegal continued actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Sea and express serious concern over actual or potential drilling activities within Cyprus’ EEZ.”

The conflict between the two nations dates back to 1974, when in an ethnic conflict the island was split between its Greek and Turkish Cypriot populations. The Turkish-speaking northern part of Cyprus proclaims independence, recognised only by Turkey.

Turkey claims its right for offshore research in the Mediterranean and argues that Turkish Cypriots also have a right to a share of the newfound resources.

To push back Turkey, Cyprus also issued arrest warrants this week for the crew of a Turkish drill ship it accused of infringing territory. Ankara said reports of the arrest warrants “crossed the line”.