Vatican Radio: Tensions high as Turkish ships enter Cyprus waters in search of gas

Tensions are mounting between Cyprus and Turkey over Ankara’s plans to begin oil and gas exploration in areas of sea licenced to the Republic of Cyprus. According to the latest reports, the Turkish vessel Barbaros is collecting seismic data after entering the exclusive economic zone of Nicosia on Monday morning.

Despite international condemnation, Ankara says it is determined to search for natural resources in the same region where Cyprus has already licensed exploratory drills.

The situation has been described by the government spokesman as ‘very serious’ and two meetings of the Cyprus national Council – an advisory body to the president – have taken place in the last 48-hours.

The Cypriot President Anastasiades has called on UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to convince the Turkish Government not to violate the sovereign rights of Cyprus.
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