CYPRUS: TORRES STRAIT - REQUEST TO DEMARCHE AUSTRALIAN

UNCLAS NICOSIA 001707 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EWWT PBTS PHSA CY AS SUBJECT: CYPRUS: TORRES STRAIT - REQUEST TO DEMARCHE AUSTRALIAN COMPULSORY PILOTAGE REGIME REFS: (A) NICOSIA 1545, (B) STATE 136187 ¶1. Further to Ref A, the GOC has confirmed that it supports U.S. views on the Torres Strait issue (Ref B). On October 2, Nicolas Kyriacou, of MFA's Community and International Law Department, informed us that Cyprus had submitted a Note Verbale to the Australian High Commission in Nicosia, protesting the Australian government's decision to impose compulsory pilotage through the Torres Strait. ¶2. Kyriacou noted that Cyprus had always held the view that such unilateral measures were unacceptable, as they restrict international maritime activity. The GOC diplomatic mission in London, which will represent Cyprus in the October 6 IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting on this issue, is open to discussions with USG representatives in order to coordinate action against Australia's decision, according to Kyriacou. SCHLICHER