U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee condemns continued Turkish gas exploration in eastern Mediterranean

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), stated via Twitter that Turkey continues to violate international conventions and laws by continuing its illegal drilling in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Committee stated that Turkey is again engaged in drilling which undermines security in the eastern Mediterranean through its violation of the territorial waters of Cyprus.

Turkey is once again undermining stability in the Eastern Med, this time by violating the Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The US must stand with Cyprus, and the EU should also fully support the vital interests of one of its member states. https://t.co/KcrXkT5eNY

— Senate Foreign Relations Committee (@SFRCdems) October 10, 2021

Menendez stressed that Washington, D.C. should stand with Cyprus, and the European Union should support the endeavors of Cyprus, a Member State.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Demetris Samuel previously indicated that Turkey’s provocations in the eastern Mediterranean have again come to the surface.

“Turkey should stop illegal drilling and respect international law,” Samuel added.

Regarding the future of the two parts of Cyprus, Samuel declared, “We have clearly asked for a federal solution to the Cyprus crisis, but Turkey rejects this solution and wants a solution based on two independent homelands, which is in violation of the United Nations resolutions.”