The National Council of Cyprus decided yesterday to block any progress in Turkey’s accession to European Union in response to the violation of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by a Turkish survey vessel.

“We cannot consent to the opening of any new chapters under the current circumstances,” government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said after National Council’s meeting.

Mr. Christodoulides said that the National Council had decided to promote eight measures:

1. President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades will lodge a formal complaint against Turkey at EU leader’s meeting which will be held on October 23 and 24.

2. The Republic of Cyprus will make use, in various international fora, its status as a member state of the European Union, by adopting measures which will have an impact to Turkey for its illegal actions.

3. The Republic of Cyprus will not consent to the opening of any new chapter in Turkey’s accession process.

4. Examining the possibility of addressing to the Security Council of the United Nations.

5. Examining the adoption of specific legal measures against all those who are involved in any way in the Turkish illegal activities.

6. Continuation of diplomatic demarches and best use of relations with specific states.

7. Denunciation of Turkey for its illegal activities to the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the United Nations.

8. Denunciation of Turkey for its illegal reserve and illegal exploration activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus to the International Maritime Organization.