Ustel Says Turkish Cypriot Side and Turkey Will Press On With Energy Work Without Seeking Permission

Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel has stated that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey will carry on with exploration and energy activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, citing their “legitimate rights” and saying they do not need anyone’s permission.

Response to Nicosia’s diplomatic moves

In a written statement, Ustel replied to steps taken by the Republic of Cyprus, among them letters sent to the United Nations and the European Union about Turkish and Turkish Cypriot activities in the region.

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He addressed in particular a UN complaint about the operations of the vessel Mediterranean Research 1. Nicosia holds that such operations cannot be carried out without the Republic’s authorisation. Ustel claimed that the Greek Cypriot position was out of touch with reality and damaged efforts to preserve peace on the island.

Dispute over the gas pipeline

Ustel also criticised the objections of Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos to plans for a natural gas pipeline linking Turkey with the occupied north. He argued that the Republic of Cyprus, which concludes agreements with foreign countries, has no right to interfere in decisions and projects of the Turkish Cypriot administration. He insisted the pipeline project would move forward at full speed and be finished for the benefit of Turkish Cypriots.

Kombos had earlier called the proposed pipeline a “clear violation of international law and the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus”, and was due to raise the matter with his EU counterparts in October. In a letter dated September 16 and published by Kathimerini on November 1, he urged senior European Commission officials to step in and call on Turkey to stop all activities tied to the project. He warned that it infringed the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and would further entrench Turkey’s control over the occupied areas.

Navtex and wider tensions

Turkey has also issued a Navtex for seabed surveys connected with the proposed pipeline, with the work set to continue until December 31. The step has added to tensions over energy exploration and infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Comparison with the water project and two-state position

Ustel compared the planned pipeline with the existing project transferring water from Turkey to the north, which he described as the “Project of the Century”. He said the new pipeline would symbolise the bonds between the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkey.

He also repeated his support for the coexistence of two separate peoples and two separate states in Cyprus, arguing that acceptance of this position is a precondition for lasting peace and stability.