Turkey rejects claims it is drilling illegally for gas off Cyprus

Ankara hits back at Greek and EU officials and vows to press ahead with offshore operations

Turkey has hit back at Greek and EU officials, denying claims it is acting illegally by drilling for gas in waters off Cyprus.

The country's foreign ministry criticised EU condemnation of its efforts to tap the region for potentially lucrative energy resources, saying the bloc could not be considered an impartial mediator for the divided island.