Turkish provocative moves within Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) were discussed in telephone conversations, on Monday, between Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Evangelos Venizelos and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades as well as Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, a Greek Foreign Ministry press release says.
The telephone calls were made in order to further coordinate the action to be taken by Greece and Cyprus in relation to new Turkish provocations within Cyprus` EEZ, the press release notes.
On Sunday, the Greek Foreign Ministry, in a separate press release, told Ankara to either respect International Law concerning Cyprus’ rights over gas and petroleum exploration within its legal sea and continental shelf or take the consequences for its EU accession course.
Consortium ENI/KOGAS has been awarded exploration licenses in Cyprus` EEZ, in Blocks 2,3 and 9.
It has completed 2 seismic surveys and is planning to drill 6 wells in the coming 18
months.
Previous exploration and appraisal drilling in Block 12 of Cyprus` EEZ by Noble Energy & Delek has indicated estimated reserves between 3.6 tcf to 6 tcf, namely 5 tcf. Further exploration is planned.
Last Friday, Turkey issued a directive to seafarers (NAVTEX), which binds some areas within the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus. Τhe Republic of Cyprus directly adopted a directive which proved the illegality of Turkey`s Directive.
According to Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides the Republic of Cyprus has made and will continue to make representations and expects all those who have publicly talked about the inalienable sovereign right of Cyprus to exploit its Exclusive Economic Zone, to help put an end to such occurrences.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-backed peace talks have been under way since last February aiming to reunite the country under a federal roof.
