PRESIDENT DEMETRIS Christofias yesterday hit back at Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s comments on the Cyprus-Israel maritime agreement saying there was nothing in international law to justify his level of “cynicism and arrogance”.
The Turkish foreign minister had declared Cyprus’ recent agreement with Israel on the delineation of their respective exclusive economic zones (EEZ) as null and void.
Commenting on his remarks, Christofias said: “According to international law, the presence of the Turkish army in Cyprus is void and illegal therefore, neither the UN Charter nor international law can justify the level of Mr Davutoglu’s cynicism and arrogance.”
The president said the minister’s behavior was “reprehensible”, noting that Cyprus was an independent and sovereign state exercising its rights and sovereign duties through the signing of various agreements, which emanate from international law and the Law of the Sea.
“The Republic of Cyprus has signed the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and unfortunately Turkey has not signed it, so those outside the law are Mr Davutoglu and his country,” he said.
“The Turkish Foreign Minister expresses the views of an occupying power and this occupying power, unfortunately, has support from some in the international arena, allowing its representatives to speak in this way,” he added.
Regarding the barrage of criticism fired in his direction domestically over comments made about those who don’t want a federation in Cyprus, Christofias said: “I will speak because I want the ordinary man to know what’s happening in this place, because we’ve lived through tragic and difficult times and experiences which should not be allowed to happen again.”
He expressed hope that logic would prevail beyond any political, partisan or other motives.
Davutoglu’s comments also drew the ire of other political figures, with ruling AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou yesterday saying as a sovereign state, Cyprus has every right to conclude agreements with any country it wishes.
EDEK leader Yiannakis Omirou said Davutoglu’s comments proved Turkey’s bad faith since it is one of a few countries in the world that hasn’t signed the Law of the Sea Convention.
Coalition partner DIKO released an announcement noting that Davutoglu’s “systematic threats” against Cyprus were part of a long-standing policy which has intensified since Turkey realised that as a permanent EU member, Cyprus was in a position to “thwart Turkey’s European dreams” if it continues not to meet its EU obligations.
