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Lavrov calls for heeding Cypriots’ interests in mineral resource projects

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said unilateral steps towards developing Cyprus’ natural resources were inadmissible

ISTANBUL, April 17 (Itar-Tass) – Any natural resources development projects related to Cyprus should envision the agreements that would benefit all the Cypriots without exception, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.

While answering a question on Russia’s possible engagement in the mineral resource project on Cyprus, Lavrov said Russia proceeded in this sphere from the importance of observing international laws and particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“As for hydrocarbons and what is linked with it, we stress the need to comply with the norms of international law, primarily the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea. All is recorded strictly and we should be guided by this,” Lavrov stressed.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said unilateral steps towards developing Cyprus’ natural resources were inadmissible.

“No party can monopolise these resources. The development of natural resources is the factor, which facilitates the settlement of existing problems. This will yield results if both parties act jointly,” the Turkish minister said.

Commenting on prospects for the Cypriot settlement, Davutoglu said this issue remained pressing over the last 40 years. “Turkey has exerted and will exert effort to search for ways to normalise the situation.”

After the elections were in Southern Cyprus and after leadership changed there was hope to resume talks on the unification of the island. “Unfortunately, the talks haven’t been started yet,” the Turkish minister said.

Terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall

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