Atun: “The Greek Cypriot Administration declares sovereignty not only at sea but in our territory too”

Minister of Economy and Energy Sunat Atun has stated that permission for exploring petrol and natural gas in the TRNC was given to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation by the Council of Ministers in 2011, and as a result of their decision, the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha seismic exploration vessel is conducting research at TRNC offshore sites.

In his press conference, Atun gave detailed information about the issue. He said that the vessel was undertaking research 2-3 miles south of the Karpaz national park, not offshore, when the Greek Cypriots protested the vessel. Atun noticed that South Cyprus signed agreements with Greece, Egypt and Israel to share their interests, and that the aim of the Greek Cypriot Administration is to involve these countries in the Cyprus problem. Atun added that the strategy of the Greek Cypriots is to undermine the TRNC and Turkey.

In his speech, Atun reminded those present that during the budget discussions at the TRNC Assembly in 2011, he called on the Greek Cypriot Administration to conduct joint exploration, and that then President Derviş Eroğlu proposed to establish an ad-hoc committee; but Greek Cypriots refused both of these proposals.

Furthermore, Atun said that on 21 September 2011, a continental shelf agreement was signed between Erdoğan and Eroğlu to issue 7 petrol and natural gas exploration licenses for the sea, and 1 for the onshore territory, according to the agreement.

Atun underlined that the Greek Cypriot Administration does not consider the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and continues its unilateral exploration, adding that in the last three years, agreements and tenders have been made while the negotiations have been continuing.

Atun expressed that the steps taken by the Greek Cypriot side are proof that they do not consider the negotiation process to be valuable or worthwhile.