Cyprus protests Turkey-Turkish Cypriot gas pipeline agreement at UN

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ permanent representative to the United Nations, Maria Michael, has written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to protest an agreement between Turkey and Turkish Cypriot authorities on constructing a natural gas pipeline linking the island with Turkey.

She said the agreement was a deliberate and provocative action by Turkey, alleging violations of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

Pipeline agreement

Michael described the purported memorandum of understanding as “null and void” and said it had no legal effect.

She said the “illegal secessionist entity” in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus lacks international legal personality and therefore has no authority under international law to conclude international agreements or authorise projects affecting the republic’s territory, territorial sea, exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.

Preparatory activities

Michael said preparatory activities for the pipeline appeared to have begun. She referred to a navtex issued by Turkey last month, informing nearby vessels of planned seismic surveys for the pipeline’s construction.

Although the initial activities were reportedly taking place in Turkish territorial waters, she said they demonstrated Turkey’s intention to implement what Cyprus considers an illegal memorandum.

Cyprus’ legal position

Michael said any implementation of the subsea pipeline and related offshore and onshore infrastructure was being undertaken without the authorisation or consent of the government of the Republic of Cyprus.

She said the project violated the republic’s sovereignty and infringed its rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Turkey is not a signatory to the convention, but Michael said its provisions reflect customary international law.

Settlement efforts

Michael said the agreement came at a particularly sensitive time, as efforts continue towards the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.