Turkey warns Greek Cyprus, oil companies over energy moves

Turkey has warned Greek Cyprus side and major global energy companies over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean as final preparations are underway to commence offshore drilling in the south of the island. 

Addressing a major petroleum conference in Istanbul on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it was “unacceptable” that energy companies were taking part in what he called “irresponsible measures” by the Greek Cypriots and warned them not to make any gas deals with Cyprus saying such agreements could affect their business in Turkey.

It is impossible to appreciate that some energy companies are acting with, and becoming part of some irresponsible measures taken by, Greek Cypriots, Erdogan said adding that I want to remind them that they could lose a friend like Turkey.

He stressed that offshore hydrocarbon resources in the eastern Mediterranean should belong to all Cypriots, including those in northern Cyprus.

What we expect from anyone who takes sides in the developments in Cyprus is that they should refrain from steps that might pave the way for new tensions in the region, Erdoğan said.

Speaking no the same issue at the conference, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirm said: 

The Greek Cypriot leadership must seek a constructive approach rather than setting an obstacle for peace. We advise that they refrain from unilateral measures in the east Mediterranean.

We want to remind once again that the hydrocarbon resources around Cyprus belongs to both sides.

In June, the Greek Cypriot administration issued a maritime advisory for a natural gas drill from July to October, a move opposed by Turkey, which challenges the divided island’s jurisdiction to search for hydrocarbons.