The Republic of Cyprus has the sovereign and inalienable right to explore and exploit its natural resources in its own exclusive economic zone, a right supported by the European Union and a large number of foreign states, the Foreign Ministry stressed here today in response to Turkey’s attempts to threaten and create tension in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Replying to a communiqué issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Saturday, the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Cyprus states that this behavior has been already condemned by the EU and foreign governments.
It is added that Ankara is displaying once more “its real face” by intimidating companies who bided for the Republic’s second licensing round for exploring offshore hydrocarbons. Two of these companies, it is noted, are from EU member states.
Cyprus and its people will reap the benefits of natural gas and oil exploration, the government has reiterated, pointing out that President Demetris Christofias has made it abundantly clear that the Turkish Cypriots will enjoy benefits in this respect from a political settlement of the question of Cyprus.
Furthermore, it is added that the Republic of Cyprus will continue to act in line with international and EU law, while pursuing its policy towards the exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves.
Turkey, as an occupation force is burdened with a heavy load of international law violations, both internationally and in the interior of the country, the Ministry’s announcement goes on.
It adds that it comes as no surprise that the Turkish Foreign Ministry communiqué confirms therefore that Ankara continues to disrespect relevant international law provisions and violate its own international commitments.
“The Cyprus government expresses its certainty that Turkish threats will once more fall on deaf ears”, the communiqué adds.
Moreover, it notes that Turkey continues to hold the Turkish Cypriot community hostage to its own strategic interest.
“Instead of admonitions and threats, Turkey should finally take the decision to end the military occupation [of Cyprus] and act in a way that does not contradict efforts for the speedy reunification of Cyprus through a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem” the Ministry communiqué notes.
Such a solution will allow all Cypriots to enjoy unhindered and in peace all that their country has to offer them, the Foreign Ministry concludes.
Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus’ northern part since they invaded in 1974, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus has signed an agreement to delineate the Exclusive Economic Zone with Egypt and Israel with a view to exploit any possible natural gas and oil reserves in its EEZ. A similar agreement has been signed with Lebanon but the Lebanese Parliament has not yet ratified it.
The first licensing round, concluded in 2007, resulted in granting concessions to Houston-based “Noble Energy” for exploratory drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ block 12. Noble started drilling on September 2011 and the initial data that emerged from the exploratory drilling and the evaluation checks carried out, indicate the existence of a natural gas reservoir ranging from 5 to 8 trillion cubic feet (tcf) with a gross mean of 7 tcf.
The government approved on November 23, 2011 the launch of a second licensing round for the remaining 12 offshore blocks, a decision published at the EU Official Journal on February 11, 2012 and expired on May 11, after a three-month bidding period.
Fifteen companies and joint ventures, including energy heavyweights such as French Total and Korean KOGAS, have bided for 9 out of Cyprus 12 offshore exploration blocks.
The government recently decided to proceed with negotiations for 4 offshore blocks in Cyprus’ EEZ, in the framework of the second licensing round. Negotiations with the companies are expected to conclude within 2013
Ankara has threatened Cyprus when Nicosia launched its exploration activities within its EEZ and announced the second round of licensing for off-shore hydrocarbons. The government of Cyprus has protested to the UN and the EU Turkey’s moves, saying it has a sovereign right to exploit its natural resources.