Athens on Thursday again reiterated that international treaties and pacts should be absolutely observed, a statement in response Turkey's recent comments over oil exploration in various Aegean and eastern Mediterranean locations.

Interest in offshore oil exploration suddenly erupted in Ankara following the Turkish government's sharp reaction to a pair of agreements signed by the Republic of Cyprus, with Lebanon and Egypt, respectively, over delineation of continental shelves in the eastern Mediterranean.

According to alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, good faith between neighboring states is necessary, underlining that the Greek state knows how to safeguard national interests.

Regarding Ankara's intention to proceed with oil exploration near the coasts of EU member-state Cyprus, he responded that the island republic is the only independent and sovereign entity on the island enjoying international recognition.

In an unrelated development, Antonaros again noted that no date has been set as yet for a visit by the Turkish foreign minister to Greece.

Source: Athens News Agency

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