EPP PRESIDENT – TURKISH THREATS

The President of the European People`s Party (EPP), Wilfried Martens, has reacted strongly to statements by Turkish officials against EU member Cyprus regarding the start of oil and gas exploration by Cyprus.

“I am very surprised by the recent statements of Turkish officials against an EU member state”, said Martens. “Turkey, an EU candidate country must refrain from threats against an EU member state that also undermine EU`s energy security,“ underlined the EPP President.

Turkish threats over Cyprus’ plans to start oil and gas exploration in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by the American contractor `Noble` have escalated over the past weeks.

“Needless to say, Cyprus is a European pillar of stability in the eastern Mediterranean and, as such, will play a central role in bolstering EU`s energy security,“ Martens added.

Cyprus has signed a production-sharing contract with Houston-based Noble Energy. The company has a concession to explore for hydrocarbons in an offshore field in its Exclusive Economic Zone, south-east of Cyprus, known as Block 12.

The Eastern Mediterranean area is believed to have a massive amount of natural gas resources.

The Republic of Cyprus has also signed an agreement to delineate its EEZ with Egypt and Israel. A similar agreement was signed with Lebanon but the Lebanese Parliament has not yet ratified it.