FM confirms energy veto
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Hurriyet Daily News
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Aralık 16, 2008 00:00
ISTANBUL - Greek Cyprus said it may block more chapters in Turkey's accession negotiations with the European Union.
Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou confirmed they would veto the opening of the energy chapter, in a written statement to the online edition of the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
"As long as there are threats regarding the exercise of our sovereign right to exploit the natural resources within our Exclusive Economic Zone, in accordance with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, it is very difficult for us to embark on discussions on the relevant chapter of the negotiations," Kyprianou said.
Turkey and Greek Cyprus are at odds over oil exploration in the Mediterranean. Greek Cypriots have accused Turkey of harassing research vessels on four occasions since Nov. 13 in areas it has earmarked for future oil and gas exploration. Turkey said the ships were on its continental shelf.
"As long as there are threats regarding the exercise of our sovereign right to exploit the natural resources within our Exclusive Economic Zone, in accordance with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, it is very difficult for us to embark on discussions on the relevant chapter of the negotiations," Kyprianou said.
Turkey and Greek Cyprus are at odds over oil exploration in the Mediterranean. Greek Cypriots have accused Turkey of harassing research vessels on four occasions since Nov. 13 in areas it has earmarked for future oil and gas exploration. Turkey said the ships were on its continental shelf.