Cyprus eyes legal, diplomatic options in Turkey gas row after halting peace talks

Cyprus says it's considering additional ways to respond to Turkey's planned gas search in waters where it has already licensed companies to drill.

Cyprus government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said Monday that further "political, diplomatic and legal" steps are being weighed after a warship-escorted Turkish research vessel sailed into waters off the island's south coast.

The steps will be announced Tuesday after President Nicos Anastasiades completes consultations with party leaders.

Cyprus was split along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Turkey doesn't recognize Cyprus as a state and opposes its offshore energy search.

Anastasiades suspended reunification talks earlier this month after Turkey announced its gas search plans. Cyprus condemned the move as a breach of its sovereign rights and international law.