WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018 - 08:42
Hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged all parties engaging in gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean not to pressure it over Ankara’s own energy plans in the region, the US State Department said Washington “discourages any actions or rhetoric that increase tensions in the region.”
“The US policy on Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone is longstanding and has not changed: the United States recognizes the right of the Republic of Cyprus to develop its resources in its EEZ,” a spokesperson said in response to a question by the Hellas Journal website.
In what was seen as a warning aimed at Greece, Cyprus and the US, Erdogan was quoted as saying on Tuesday, “we tell our friends: Don’t push us, don’t press us.”
Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s intention to keep exploring for gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea in the same “decisive manner,” and referred to “conflicting interests” in the region due to the cooperation between Cyprus and US energy giant ExxonMobil.
He said Turkey is deploying two research vessels and two drillships – divided between the East Med and the Black Sea – and that Ankara has taken “all the necessary measures for their safety.”
Cyprus government spokesman Prodromou rejected yesterday Turkish press reports that said President Anastasiades had secretly agreed on a deal with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu to divert proposed natural gas pipeline to Turkey in exchange for a solution of the Cyprus problem.
Turkish news portal T24 as well as social media commentators have in the last few day speculated that Turkey had agreed not to interfere in Cyprus’s offshore drilling. Stena IceMax, a UK flag drillship has been commissioned by Exxon Mobil to conduct exploratory drilling in Block 10 Cyprus EEZ south of the island.
‘’I categorically deny that such a discussion took place’’ said Prodromou.
