CYPRUS - FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE•Saturday, 26 March, 2016
The Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that Turkey's statement on the new process regarding hydrocarbons' exploration within the Republic's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is an expression of Ankara`s provocative and destabilising attitude.
Furthermore it stresses that the process is not affected by the UN-led peace talks which are underway to resolve the Cyprus problem and reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
The Foreign Ministry points out, in a statement issued on Saturday, that Cyprus` natural wealth belongs to the people of Cyprus and that after a political settlement, the entire people will be able to benefit from the exploitation of this wealth.
"The statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey in relation to the announcement of the third licensing round in exploration blocks within Cyprus' EEZ constitutes an expression of the provocative and destabilising attitude of Turkey. It is also an arbitrary interpretation of international treaties and conventions” the Foreign Ministry stresses.
It is further noted that the Republic of Cyprus, a UN and EU member state, exercises, as does every other state of the international community, all its sovereign rights deriving from international law over its land and marine territory, including the sovereign rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone / its continental shelf as they are guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) and which the Republic of Cyprus ratified in 1988.
The Republic of Cyprus, the statement continues, "is determined to go ahead with the exploitation of its natural wealth, in particular in relation to its hydrocarbons, to enhance economic growth and prosperity of its people as a whole, without discrimination.”
After the discovery of the Zohr gas field in Egypt and the increased international interest in the Cypriot EEZ, hydrocarbon reserves within it are of particular importance given the rising energy needs of Europe.
Exploiting and making the most of these reserves could significantly enhance energy security, particularly that of the European Union, the FM says.
"The Republic of Cyprus is determined to protect its rights using all the peaceful means at its disposal, in the framework of international law, which always drives and guides our actions and acts as a shield for its interests,” the Foreign Ministry underscores.
The new licensing process is not affected by the dialogue for the solution of the Cyprus problem which is under way, since the Republic does not suspend exercising its sovereign rights because of the talks, it adds.
"Cyprus` natural wealth belongs to the Cypriot people, that is to say to all the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. After the solution of the Cyprus problem, all the people of Cyprus will be able to benefit from making the most of this natural wealth,” the statement concludes.
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