Asked to comment on Turkey's provocative decision to issue licenses for petroleum operations in sea areas that include blocks from Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone, Cyprus government spokesman Stephanos Stephanou underlined in a statement that was issued on Sunday that Turkey's decision is a continuation of its actions that violate the international law, in particular the Law of the Sea. "The Government of Cyprus denounces Turkey's illegalities and provocations and takes all necessary steps to defend the Republic's sovereign rights" he points out.