UN is reportedly exerting efforts for the resumption of the Cyprus talks after Barbaros seismic explorations vessel leaves Cyprus’ EEZ  
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (26.12.14) reports that Turkish Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa seismic explorations vessel will leave Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Eastern Mediterranean on 30 December, after Turkey’s NAVTEX ends. Various diplomatic sources said that the negotiations for solving the Cyprus problem might resume after Barbaros’ leaving the area. It is argued that the UN has launched an initiative in this direction.

A “diplomatic source” from the self-styled foreign ministry of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus told Kibristhat after the completion of its duties in the area, Barbaros will return to Turkey where it will study the information it has collected. The Turkish Foreign Ministry, however, has not issued any statement on this matter. Meanwhile, sources close to Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu’s office, said that “the way by which Barbaros will leave the area” will be decided together with Turkey after consultations they will have with Ankara.   

Recalling that the Italian-Korean ENI-Kogas partnership’s drillings in parcel 9 of Cyprus’ EEZ have not given the expected results, the paper notes that the drilling platform will be transferred to another area. A “high ranking diplomat”, told Kibris that in spite of the statement that this transfer could start within a week, diplomatic efforts are being exerted in the direction of extending this period. The same diplomat said that especially the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide is exerting efforts for the resumption of the talks after the Turkish NAVTEX ends. The source added that Eide is making some inquiries in the direction of extending this one week period of “technical pause”.