Egypt to South Cyprus gas pipeline ‘unlawful’

A NATURAL gas pipeline agreement between Egypt and South Cyprus was slammed as “a new unlawful initiative . . . to usurp the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people” by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay on Thursday.

A statement from his ministry said the Greek Cypriots’ “unilateral action” had no legal basis and was “poisoning relations between the two sides” at a time when there was a “critical decision to be made” concerning the future direction of any Cyprus peace process.

“The Greek Cypriot side does not have the jurisdiction to act like this about the future of these resources which also belong to Turkish Cypriots,” it commented.

The criticism came after Economy and Energy Minister Özdil Nami said Turkish Cypriots were “not going to stand there with our hands tied” while South Cyprus continues with “unilateral” hydrocarbons exploration.

He said on BRT television the TRNC hoped for cooperation on energy with the South, but added: “Parallel steps will be taken by the Turkish side. We aren’t going to provoke, but if they take further steps the Turkish side will continue to protect its rights and interests.

“If they drill, so will we, If they undertake seismic surveys, so will we. The necessary steps will be taken.”

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Dönmez said Ankara would “not allow . . . a system that does not share in a just manner with the TRNC”.

“We have always said this. If there is oil, we will find it. We will increase the number of surveys and drillings.”