by Associated Press Cyprus eyes legal options in gas row with Turkey Associated Press - 20 October 2014 09:59-04:00 NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — 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. News Topics: Business, General news, Peace process, Diplomacy, International relations, Government and politics People, Places and Companies: Nicos Anastasiades, Cyprus, Turkey, Western Europe, Europe, Middle East Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.