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Turkey urges deal with Greek Cypriots over hydrocarbon deposits

In October, issue of exploiting hydrocarbon deposits led to a breakdown of peace talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots

ATHENS, December 6. /TASS/. Turkey calls for an agreement with Greek Cypriots on exploiting hydrocarbon deposits in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said late on Friday during his two-day visit to Greece.

"We will continue with the bilateral talks, we need to go deeper and find a solution. We don't want tension, neither in the Aegean Sea nor in the eastern Mediterranean Sea," Davutoglu said. "Let's solve this issue, in order to exploit our energy resources and connect possible natural gas resources with Greece through Turkey," he said.

In October, issue of exploiting hydrocarbon deposits led to a breakdown of peace talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Turkey sent a research vessel and escort ships to carry out seismic survey for oil and gas reserves in the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Cyprus.

Cyprus said this move came in violation of the republic’s sovereignty and insisted that it would not resume talks until Ankara removed its vessels from Cyprus` exclusive economic zone.