Turkey reiterates vow to defend rights in Eastern Med

By Ahmet Furkan Mercan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Monday reiterated a vow to defend its rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, as a response to the EU plans for restrictive measures against Turkey.

“Turkey will not give up to defend its rights under the international law in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and the interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus despite all inconsiderate steps of the EU,” the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.

On Monday, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted a framework for restrictive measures against Turkey over its drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“It is a futile expectation to hope that our country will step back from its rights on the Eastern Mediterranean by yielding to the threats,” the ministry stressed.

“Nobody should doubt that Turkey will continue search and drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean,” it added.

*Writing by Fahri Aksut