The US recognizes Cyprus` right to drill in its offshore zone, Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy, Ambassador Richard Morningstar has stressed in his speech as guest of honor at a luncheon hosted during the Economist Investment Energy Summit in Athens. American companies bring unparalleled world-class experience in offshore exploration and we support their bids to work in the region, as we do in other regions, he said.
“As we have also said many times, we believe that any potential revenue from future oil and gas resources in Cyprus should be equitably shared between both communities. And our key message both to the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey reflects on longstanding policy, which is to support the Cypriot-led efforts under UN auspices to reunify the island into a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, and encouraging the two sides to come to a peaceful settlement. And that this issue, the issue of resources, if done right, could help us get there. And this would allow all of Cyprus and other countries to share the benefits of the eastern Mediterranean,“ he added.
The American Ambassador said that Israel`s significant offshore natural gas finds, including the “Tamar“ and “Leviathan“ fields, are one of the largest offshore gas finds of the past decade. This put Israel onto the hydrocarbon map and initiated significant changes in Israel`s energy economy and investment and energy policies, he stressed.
And this gas will significantly enhance Israel`s energy security and Israel, even as we speak, is presently examining its export potential, including through LNG, he added, pointing out that Greece is also working to identify potential hydrocarbons for exploitation. The Greek government has announced tenders for seismic studies and hydrocarbon exploration onshore in the Ionian Sea and south of the island of Crete, he noted.