The news of the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) signing agreements with
French Total and Italian ENI for off-shore hydrocarbon exploration within
the so-called license area number 7 of the exclusive economic zone, which
this administration unilaterally delimited completely disregarding the
Turkish Cypriots who are entitled to their legitimate rights over the
entirety of the island, is an indication of GCA’s failure to understand our
determination, despite all our warnings.
As repeatedly underlined and shared with the international community, a
section of the so-called license area number 7 remains within the Turkish
continental shelf, which has been registered with the United Nations.
As has been the case so far, Turkey will in no way allow any foreign
country, company or vessel to engage in unauthorized hydrocarbon
exploration and exploitation activities within its maritime jurisdiction
areas, and will continue to take the necessary measures to protect its
rights and interests.
We repeat our strong warning that the unilateral acts of GCA, which aim at
usurping the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, do not contribute to peace and
stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. The proposal of the Turkish
Cypriots towards an equitable allocation of natural resources of the Island
remains at the table. This recent signature of the agreement, however,
unfortunately demonstrates that GCA is persistent in prolonging its
irresponsible stance that disregards equal and inaliable rights of the
Turkish Cypriots on the natural resources on and around the Island.
We once more advise the interested companies against any hydrocarbon
activities to be attempted within the Turkish continental shelf, trusting
null and void licences issued by the GCA.