Any attempt on the part of Turkey for a fait accompli in Cyprus’ maritime area would be irrational, says Dimitris Vitsas, Greece’s Alternate Minister of National Defence, while noting that cooperation between Athens and Nicosia takes all options into account.
In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency, Vitsas also says that he does not expected Ankara “to risk a defeat”, when asked about the possible emergence of a Turkish drillship in the area, and Athens’ reaction to such a move.
Speaking about efforts for a Cyprus settlement, the Greek government official says that the Turkish side must realize that stagnation does not lead anywhere.
Vitsas is visiting Cyprus and is expected to attend on Tuesday a ceremony for the handover of remains belonging to Greek nationals that died in August 1964 while on board the patrol boat “Phaethon”.
Speaking to CNA, the Alternate Minister says that those who perished on “Phaethon” are also a reminder of the duty that awaits to be fulfilled regarding a Cyprus settlement, that will respect the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, adhere to human rights, as well as UN and EU principles.
Vitsas notes that despite the time that passed since the 1974 Turkish invasion, no fait accompli in the northern part of the island has been accepted by the international community. This, he says, is due to the continuous efforts of the governments of Greece and Cyprus, who insist that the problem was created because of Turkey’s invasion and subsequent occupation of the northern part of the island.
He also says that Greece stands by the decisions and actions of the Republic of Cyprus and notes that both countries act as beacons of stability in a volatile region. According to Vitsas, this might act as a catalyst for a final and viable solution of the Cyprus problem.
Referring to Nicosia’s energy designs, the Greek official underlines that exploiting natural resources is the “inalienable and non-negotiable right” of a sovereign country, who is a member of the EU and the UN.
“Cyprus exercises this right by creating a safety net, consisting of the world’s big oil and gas companies that take part in this endeavour,” he says, adding his belief that the Turkish leadership is sensible enough not to turn against all of them.
The right to exploit underwater resources is first and foremost a diplomatic issue and one that has to do with alignment of interests, Vitsas says, adding that the military dimension of it trails behind.
“I think the Turkish leadership shows bravado by demonstrating its military presence, but I consider it to be irrational on its part to put practical obstacles and attempt a fait accompli in the maritime area of the Republic of Cyprus,” he underlines.
Asked about the reaction of Athens in the event Turkey sends its newly-acquired drillship in the region, the Alternate Minister of Defence says he hopes Turkey is sensible enough not to do something that entails a very high cost and no positive outcome for the country. “It won’t risk a defeat” he estimates.
Vitsas also notes that Nicosia’s activities in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus are in accordance with international law and “Turkey would be the only one to lose from a possible gamble”. This is something Ankara should consider twice, under today’s circumstances, the Minister notes.
Asked finally about developments in European defence, through the establishment of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the Alternate Minister notes the potential to widen cooperation between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus.
He says that both countries’ asset is their geostrategic location, while cooperation among them serves as a model for others and is being respected throughout the region.
Talking finally about the repatriation of the remains of Greek soldiers, Vitsas says with this move, the state fulfills its duty towards those who sacrificed themselves during an uneven battle in August 1964, when the Turkish air force bombed Tylliria, in the northwest of Cyprus.
He says that with the help of genetics, this process will be complete once the remains of the last Greek soldier have been identified and repatriated.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, in spite of repeated calls by the international community to do so.
Continuing with its energy designs, Nicosia proceeded recently with another well drilling offshore, in block 6 of its exclusive economic zone, carried out by energy giants ENI and Total. More wells are expected to follow in the following months of 2018. Turkish officials have publicly contested Cyprus’ rights to carry out offshore hydrocarbon activities in certain parts of the area. Recently, Ankara acquired a drillship with the intention of using it in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
