House President and Acting President of the Republic of Cyprus Dimitris Syllouris has called on the international community to exert its pressure on Turkey as regards its ``illegal and provocative undertakings`` within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Continental Shelf (CS) of the Republic.

Syllouris has sent a letter to European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, to the Presidents of National Parliaments of EU Members States, to the P5 as well as to the Heads of the Interparlimentary Union and Parliamentary Assembly of OSCE.

The House President in his letters points out that Turkey’s conduct of military exercises with live ammunition within Cyprus’ maritime zone, national airspace and the Nicosia FIR, not least in the vicinity of Cyprus’ coastline, ``not only creates a climate of intimidation for the companies that operate in full accordance with international law in Cyprus’ EEZ and CS, but also clearly results in sustaining a climate of mistrust``.

``It also further complicates any future prospects of a settlement of the Cyprus problem based on relevant UN resolutions and the acquis communautaire, an integral part of which has been, for some time now, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)``, he underlines.

Syllouris points out that this illegal Turkish activity is yet another proof that Turkey permanently undermines  security and stability in the already fragile Eastern Mediterranean region and turns against EU policies related to the diversification of energy supply sources and corridors and energy security, while at the same time pursuing its European course and ambitions in a “business as usual” mode.
 
The House President also calls on the recipients of the letters to exercise their influence towards Turkey, to refrain from its illegal activities, to abide by international law and EU norms and principles, not least its commitments towards the EU as a whole and towards each and every single member thereof.

``Gunboat diplomacy and “might is right” mentalities cannot be tolerated, if we are to promote and consolidate peace in the world, particularly in the tormented area the Eastern Mediterranenan``, his letter concludes.

SAIPEM 12000 drillship, commissioned by Italian energy company ENI, to start drilling operations in block 3 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) was halted by five Turkish warships Friday morning while making a new effort to reach Soupia target, which it was unable to fulfil due to Turkish threats.

Two weeks ago Saipem had to halt its transfer journey to block 3 of Cyprus EEZ, when it was stopped by Turkish military ships with a notice not to continue because there would be military activities in the destination area.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.