The Republic of Cyprus exercises its sovereign rights in accordance with the international law, Government Spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis told CNA on Tuesday, invited to comment on the reaction of the "ministry of foreign affairs" of the illegal regime in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus against the Republic of Cyprus's drilling operations in its EEZ.

"We reject any unfounded claims that aim to create impressions and tensions and that seek to undermine international legality," Letymbiotis added.

He emphasised that the "Republic of Cyprus continues to work closely with its international partners based on a common commitment to regional stability and security and with respect for the international law".

We remain, he added, "steadfastly committed to the effort to resume negotiations, based on the agreed framework as defined by all relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council".

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.