Turkey continued to level threats against Cyprus, despite widespread condemnation by the EU and the US over its illegal activities in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Minister of European Union Affairs and the Chief Negotiator for Turkish Accession to the European Union, Omer Celik unleashed direct threats against the Republic of Cyprus, warning Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to remember 1974”, in reference to the invasion of the island by Turkish forces which led to the division of the island.

“It is good for Anastasiades to remember 1974 and keep it fresh in his memory”, said Celik provocatively, commenting on the statement by the President of the Republic of Cyprus that Turkish aggression in the EEZ of Cyprus was the second invasion of Turkey’s activities in the eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Celik said that Turkish drilling ships were conducting their activities and the Turkish navy was present to protect their work.
His statements come a few days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told military cadets in Ankara that they would defend the Turkish rights and stop any violations in the Aegean Sea.