By Sophia Iosif
A Turkish military aircraft flew over Block 5 of Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) yesterday, where ExxonMobil’s drilling rig is operating to locate natural gas at the “Elektra” target.
Satellite maps show the Turkish military aircraft passing close to Block 5 of Cyprus’s EEZ, an area reserved by the Republic of Cyprus for drilling operations at the Elektra target, where EXXON MOBIL and Qatar Energy are active.
The satellite imagery records the aircraft starting its journey from Turkey and passing through the area. Reports indicate that the aircraft did not file a flight plan, a common practice in such incidents.
Authorities’ comments
Relevant authorities stated that no violation of the Nicosia FIR had been recorded yesterday, although they were unable to provide further details.
At the same time, American technocrats are arriving in Cyprus concerning the Andreas Papandreou Air Base.
According to the Government Spokesperson, this week a team from the United States Air Force Emergency Management Support Squadron is expected to arrive. The team will visit the Andreas Papandreou Air Base to provide expertise and recommendations for new projects.
President’s meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader
Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis also referred to Monday’s meeting between the President of the Republic and the Turkish Cypriot leader regarding the crossing points. He mentioned that the Greek Cypriot side is ready for a second meeting, even tomorrow, as it awaits the Turkish Cypriot side’s evaluation of the eight proposals submitted.
“Ambiguity and hastiness”
In response to these statements, AKEL accused the government of ambiguity and hastiness. These accusations did not go unanswered by the Government Spokesperson.
DISY Cyprus Problem group meeting
Following recent developments, the President of DISY announced that the Cyprus Problem group held a meeting.
The meeting focused on reports by the UN Secretary-General and efforts to restart negotiations ahead of the upcoming five-party conference.
After the meeting, the President of DISY stated that the informal trilateral meeting has opened a window of opportunity that must be utilised, as it will not remain open indefinitely.
She emphasised the need for thorough preparation, with proposals and initiatives that shift responsibility onto Turkey and create conditions for positive developments.
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