More threats by Turkey on the issue of oil and natural gas explorations

Under the title “Harsh warning by the Turkish Foreign Ministry”, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (08.08.12) reports that Selcuk Unal, Spokesman of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has alleged that the oil and natural gas explorations and drilling activities by the Republic of Cyprus escalate tension in Eastern Mediterranean. Responding to questions through Twitter, Unal claimed yesterday that in case the Republic of Cyprus continues its activities in spite of Turkey’s efforts, his country will not be responsible for the tension which will be created.

Noting that Turkey’s stance on this issue is very clear, Unal argued the following:

“The Greek Cypriots should not carry out these activities before the Cyprus problem is solved or without having the approval of the Turkish Cypriots. The Greek Cypriots invited new international tenders last May for natural gas exploration and drilling. One part of this tender violates the licensing fields of both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.

We and the Turks of Cyprus called on the countries concerned and the international oil companies to disregard this tender. We have said that the absolute consent of the Turkish Cypriots should be taken. We supported the proposal submitted in this direction by the TRNC president esteemed Eroglu to the UN Secretary-General. We said that we will not be responsible for the tension which will be created in case the Greek Cypriots continue their activities in spite of our efforts. Some of the so-called licensing fields of the Greek administration of south Cyprus violate Turkey’s continental shelf in Eastern Mediterranean, in the area which is west of the island. Turkey cannot tolerate foreign oil companies to carry out oil or natural gas exploration and drilling activities without a license in these areas which overlap”.