Cyprus’ sovereign rights cannot be challenged by anybody, especially when these relate to the Republic’s natural resources, Defence Minister Photis Photiou has stressed, noting that Cyprus acts within the framework of international legitimacy.
He also said that in early June, Noble Energy will begin an appraisal drill in block 12 of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.
Speaking Tuesday in Larnaca, on the sidelines of a simulation exercise on paper entitled “Aphrodite 2013”, Photiou said “we have rights and responsibilities in our EEZ which derive from international law. The responsibilities are linked to security concerns in the region.”
“In a few days Noble Energy begins an appraisal drill, which is of vital importance. This exercise, although on paper, is very important and aims at coordinating state services which may be involved in any such exercise”, he said.
He added that there should be good coordination and analysis of several scenarios, in order to be able to deter such incidents, and if they occur, to be able to handle them in an appropriate manner.
Replying to a question, the Minister said that the Republic of Cyprus, unlike Turkey, is acting within the framework of international legitimacy. “It is Turkey that does not subscribe to international legitimacy and this message should go to everyone. We will conclude our planning with regard to exploiting Cyprus’ natural resources”, he pointed out.
Asked about possible fallout from the war in Syria, the Minister noted that “the instability in Syria is certainly a problem in the region in general. This does not mean that we should stop implementing our plans for the appraisal drill”.
Exploratory drilling conducted by Noble Energy in Block 12 of Cyprus’ EEZ has revealed a gross natural gas reserve from 3 to 9 trillion cubic feet (tcf) with a 60% probability of geologic success.
Noble is expected to extract and transfer to Cyprus natural gas by late 2018.
Contracts were signed with the ENI/KOGAS consortium in blocks 2, 3 and 9 within Cyprus’ EEZ and Total for blocks 10 and 11 in the context of the 2nd licensing round.