Tensions Rise as Turkey Plans Gas Drilling in Cyprus Waters

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--Turkey has ignited tensions in the Mediterranean Sea by announcing plans to drill for gas offshore in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the island of Cyprus.

Both the European Union (EU) and the U.S. have expressed their concerns over the plans, which follow on from gigantic gas discoveries in the waters around Cyprus. In February, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) (ExxonMobil) (Irving, Texas) said it had made the world's third-biggest natural gas discovery in two years off the coast of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean at the Glaucus-1 well. The discovery could represent natural gas resources of approximately 5 trillion to 8 trillion cubic feet (142 billion to 227 billion cubic meters). Other discoveries in recent years have been made by Italian oil and gas major Eni SpA (NYSE:E) and Noble Energy Incorporated (NYSE:NBL) (Houston, Texas). Cyprus is a disputed island with the internationally recognised government of the Republic of Cyprus controlling two-thirds, while the northern third is controlled by a Turkish-backed breakaway administration.

EU High Representative and Vice President Federica Mogherini said: "We express grave concern over Turkey's announced intention to carry out drilling activities within the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. In March 2018, the European Council strongly condemned Turkey's continued illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean. In this context, we urgently call on Turkey to show restraint, respect the sovereign rights of Cyprus in its exclusive economic zone, and refrain from any such illegal action to which the European Union will respond appropriately and in full solidarity with Cyprus."

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades stated: "It is clearly a violation of international law, or, as I could describe it, a second invasion, considering the violation of the Republic of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone. It is impossible for anyone to speak of peace under threat. And not just threats, but an active violation of international law for the umpteenth time."

"The United States is deeply concerned by Turkey's announced intentions to begin offshore drilling operations in an area claimed by the Republic of Cyprus as its Exclusive Economic Zone," said State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus. "This step is highly provocative and risks raising tensions in the region. We urge Turkish authorities to halt these operations and encourage all parties to act with restraint."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remained steadfast against the criticism: "The legitimate rights of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus over the energy resources of the Eastern Mediterranean are not debatable. We expect NATO to respect Turkey's rights in this process and support us in preventing tensions."

Last year, Turkish military ships blocked a ship hired by Eni SpA (NYSE:E) to drill for gas in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Cyprus.

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