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A clear signal to Turkey to end the illegal explorations in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus and to show respect for its sovereign rights was sent from Nicosia yesterday by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Egypt and Cyprus. In a joint statement, they made a request for the establishment of a tripartite alliance as a guarantor of stability, peace and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

After the official meeting and his conversation with President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Evangelos Venizelos confirmed that in the very near future, Greece will send a frigate and a submarine to the area, but under the "international flag".

Greek submarine "Triton" will participate in the NATO operation Active Endeavour whereas the frigate will replace the torpedo boat "Kavaloudis" which is involved in UN peacekeepers to Lebanon (UNIFIL), thereby increasing the Greek naval presence in the area.

Ministers of Foreign Affairs Evangelos Venizelos, Sameh Shoukry and Ioannis Kasoulides met in connection with the preparation of the summit of the three countries, which will be held in Cairo on 8 November, and will mark the improvement of relations at all levels. Simultaneously, it will send a clear signal of stability and respect for international law in an area that has long represented a minefield for world peace.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Cyprus and Egypt (from left to right)

Condemning the actions of Ankara

During the tripartite meeting and the bilateral talks between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, special attention was paid to the provocative policy of Ankara and the direct challenge to the sovereign rights of Cyprus by it. The three ministers strongly condemned the illegal activities and seismic surveys carried out in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, stressing that the "unilateral actions" are further undermining the stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.