Cyprus' foreign ministry said Turkey's bid to drill for natural gas in waters where the island nation has exclusive economic rights is a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty under international law.
The ministry in a statement on Saturday stated the bid shows Turkey's "real intentions" of undermining efforts to restart talks aimed at reunifying the ethnically divided country, reported The Associated Press.
The ministry added Cyprus, a European Union member, is taking "all necessary measures" to deal with the situation.
EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini expressed the bloc's "grave concern" over Turkey's intention to drill inside Cyprus' exclusive economic zone.
Mogherini said the EU urgently calls on Turkey to show restraint, respect Cyprus' sovereign rights and refrain from any illegal action to which the bloc "will respond appropriately in full solidarity" with Cyprus.
