Cyprus-Forum.com

[joe]

Cyprus to lodge protest after Turkey threat on oil deal
By Jean Christou

CYPRUS IS to lodge protests with the UN and the EU over Turkey’s sabre rattling concerning the government’s plans for oil and gas exploration.

“We are proceeding just as planned,” Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis said after yesterday’s cabinet meeting.

“We have nothing else to add to our reaction yesterday towards the Turkish Foreign Ministry’s provocative statement.”

A statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said the Cyprus government had no right to sign international agreements, and warned that the issue might negatively affect the resolution of the Cyprus issue.

It also said Turkey was determined to protect its rights and interests in the eastern Mediterranean and will not allow attempts to erode them.

Cyprus signed an agreement on January 17 in Beirut delineating the exclusive economic zones between the two countries in a move that would allow the offshore oil and gas exploration to go ahead.

A similar deal was signed with Egypt in 2005 and the government also expects to negotiate with Syria.

“We will not be hauled into a public debate over an issue which solely concerns the lawful government of the Republic of Cyprus and in which neither Turkey nor the illegal regime has any say,” Pashiardis said.

”We are neither indifferent to Turkey’s threats nor are we concerned.”

Asked if there was a chance Turkey was attempting to create a climate of instability to put off foreign investors, Pashiardis said: “We are proceeding within the day, to report Turkey’s provocative stance both to the UN and the EU.”

“We assess Turkey’s threats to be unjustified, and the reaction of the incorrigible troublemaker of the region as unfounded. We refuse to discuss Turkey’s reactions.”
Greece yesterday backed Cyprus.

Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos yesterday rejected the Turkish objections saying Ankara had no business questioning agreements between states.

“The positions expressed by Ankara are in flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of international law, national sovereignty and the rights of independent nations to proceed with agreements with each other, especially since this cooperation is in accordance with international law, international rules and has a peaceful purpose, which is the economic development of the region," he said.