Greek FM Accuses Turkey of Cyprus Negotiations Breakdown. Research ships escorted by two warships are beginning the exploration of mineral resources in the EEZ of Cyprus

Greece has accused Turkey of escalating tensions around Cyprus and undermining negotiations on settlement of the Cyprus issue, the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a Thursday statement.

"Unfortunately, at the center ... is Turkey’s refusal to see that the Republic of Cyprus is an independent and sovereign state, a member of the UN and the European Union, that exercises sovereignty and sovereign rights, in accordance with international law.