Washington discourages any actions or rhetoric that raises tensions in the East Med, a US State Department official said in response to a question on Turkish provocations in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
“US policy on Cyprus’ EEZ is longstanding and has not changed: The United States recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus to develop its resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone, said the official.
“We continue to believe the island’s oil and gas resources, like all of its resources, should be equitably shared between both communities in the context of an overall settlement. We discourage any actions or rhetoric that increase tensions in the region,” the official added.
Turkey has warned foreign companies from exploring for gas offshore Cyprus and said it would act to protect its interests.
Ankara also plans to start exploring for hydrocarbons in the region around the same time that US energy giant ExxonMobil is scheduled to begin test drills off Cyprus.
And Turkey has reacted angrily to a decision by Nicosia to invite Total, ENI and ExxonMobil to bid for a new license to exploit oil and gas in block 7 of its exclusive economic zone.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry has advised “companies that might be interested in participating in the tender to act with common sense and to duly consider the realities on the ground”.
Turkey said it will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its rights and will not allow any third party to conduct exploratory activities for the development of hydrocarbon fields in the region.
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