Italy Steps Up to Bat for Cyprus

Mr. Mauro had been asked to comment on the presence of Turkish research vessel Barbaros in Cyprus territorial waters, in statements with his Cypriot counterpart Fotis Fotiou, during his official to Cyprus.

Mr. Fotiou agreed with his Italian counterpart and added that Cyprus was acting on the basis of iits national plans and within the framework of its sovereign rights as is “clearly in agreement with international law.”

The Cypriot minister underscored his country's desire for regional stability, but also its resolve to defend its sovereign rights.

Mr. Fotiou also noted that international law was the cornerstone of Cypriot policy and that Cyprus was not willing to become involved in “this Turkish game,” continuing activities within the Cyprus EEZ (exclusive economic zone) as planned.