No Cypriot Navtex has been cancelled, Government assures

No navigational warning, issued by the Republic of Cyprus, has been cancelled, Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou has assured.
 
A navtex, which Ankara has issued, he pointed out, is contrary to existing international rules and regulations governing shipping and aims at specific activities in Cyprus’ maritime area.
 
Invited to comment, at the end of today’s Cabinet meeting, on press reports about Turkey’s navtex, he said that the Republic’s relevant services are doing what needs to be done, taking all measures.
 
“It is one thing to talk about illegal moves – and when these occur we take measures – and it is another matter to see Turkish moves which do not comply with international norms, when it comes to shipping,” he added.
 
Earlier on, Commander of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, Commodore Costas Fitiris, told CNA that Turkey continues to issue navtex.

Commenting on a news report in today’s daily “Phileleftheros”, he said that Turkey issued an anti-navtex in response to a navtex issued by the Republic for a Cypriot naval exercise west of Paphos, in international and territorial waters.
 
"Our area of ​​responsibility is based on international regulations and international law," he said, and extends from the sea area of ​​Paphos to Kyrenia and Apostolos Andrea and this is internationally recognized.
 
For this reason, said Fitiris, all countries holding exercises or other activities around Cyprus should consult with the government’s relevant departments.
 
"For obvious reasons, Turkey, in violation of international law and regulations of international organisations, tries with illegal and provocative warnings and actions to take over the jurisdiction of the issuance of navtex in areas under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Cyprus ".
 
Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.