Akıncı: “Serious work to be done” to harmonise TRNC institutions with the EU acquis if solution is reached
6 April, 2017Akıncı: “I believe Cyprus has reached a critical junction”
7 April, 2017The Turkish Foreign Ministry has stated that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side desire a negotiated settlement on the island, however the only way to utilize the island’s natural resources prior to a comprehensive settlement would be through arrangements for the joint exploitation of the resources with the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side and the fair sharing of potential revenues.
In the written statement issued by the Ministry, it was underlined that the Greek Cypriot side has signed exploration and exploitation contracts with a number of international hydrocarbon companies and consortiums on the 5th and 6th of April in defiance of the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.
It was also emphasized that the persistent behaviour of the Greek Cypriot side as the sole owner of the island and continued unilateral activities are not acceptable, particularly in a period when they should be demonstrating strong political will towards establishing a new partnership with the Turkish Cypriot people.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined that they are in agreement with the points mentioned by the TRNC Foreign Ministry and that they share the concerns and outrage felt by the Turkish Cypriot side.
The full text issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry is as follows:
“It will be recalled that in the past, we have also repeatedly drawn attention to the problematic nature of activities carried out by hydrocarbon companies in maritime areas over which the Turkish Cypriots have rights. Furthermore, a significant segment of one of the relevant areas, namely block number 6, falls within Turkey’s continental shelf. Foreign companies shall never, under any conditions, be permitted to carry out unauthorized hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities in our maritime jurisdiction areas.
Companies cooperating with the Greek Cypriot Administration on its unilateral hydrocarbon activities are disregarding the will of the Turkish Cypriots, the Island’s other founding people. This stance will also be taken into consideration when evaluating their future involvement in joint energy projects with Turkey. On the other hand, it should be kept in mind that following a settlement, the sides constituting the new state will jointly assess the validity of agreements signed with the Greek Cypriot Administration in the field of energy.
Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side desire a negotiated settlement on the Island of Cyprus. The only way to utilize the Island’s natural resources prior to a comprehensive settlement, on the other hand, would be through arrangements for the joint exploitation of the resources with the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side and the fair sharing of potential revenues.
We reiterate our call on the Greek Cypriot side to take into consideration the inalienable rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, their future political partners, on the Island’s natural resources, and to cease any unilateral activities that could lead to a failure of the efforts aiming towards a comprehensive solution.
We strongly emphasize that Turkey will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its rights and interests in its continental shelf as well as the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”