Economy and Energy Minister Atun declares that Turkish vessel ‘Barbaros’ was given permission to conduct seismic exploration

Economy and Energy Minister Sunat Atun declared that permission was given to the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa seismic research vessel to conduct seismic exploration in the TRNC territorial waters as of 20 April. Minister Atun also announced that necessary permits will be given for a second round of exploratory drilling, as a continuation of the first drilling, which was conducted at Sınırüstü region in 2011.

Referring to the Energy Cooperation Agreement and Oilfield Services and Production Share Agreement that was signed between the TRNC and Turkey, Atun stated that he had discussed with Turkey’s Energy Minister, Berat Albayrak, the start of studies to collect seismic data in TRNC territorial waters, as part of the agreement. Atun also added that coordination list, location map and drilling areas have been prepared in this context.

Atun reiterated that the proposal of the 3rd President Derviş Eroğlu to the Greek Cypriot Administration via the UN to cooperate in the area of natural gas exploration or postpone all studies after a possible settlement, was left unanswered. He stated that the Greek Cypriot Administration is continuing to sign agreements with multinational oil companies in various parcels and make tendering.

Atun also said, “The Greek Cypriot Administration has already rapidly carried out its own processes in the field of natural resources; yet they identify our steps in natural resource exploration as a threat to the solution process – this is a sign of their insincerity. At this point it is important to protect our rights and interests. We are ready to issue new permits if needed. We will continue to develop and cooperate with the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources”.