Yilmaz defends Turkey-Cyprus gas pipeline plan during island visit
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz defended plans for a gas pipeline to Cyprus after the Republic protested the agreement to the United Nations.
Tymbou, Cyprus. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said on Friday that criticism of plans to build a natural gas pipeline linking Turkey to Cyprus showed that the project had “upset some people”, as he arrived for a two-day visit.
He said Turkey would continue supporting projects it considers beneficial to the Turkish Cypriot community and the TRNC.
Response to criticism
Speaking after arriving at Tymbou (Ercan) airport, Yilmaz described objections from various circles, particularly the Greek Cypriot side, as evidence that Turkey was right to pursue what he called humanitarian and legal projects.
“Regardless of what anyone says, we will continue to support what is right, what benefits the TRNC, and what will increase the wellbeing of our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters,” he said.
UN protest
Yilmaz’s comments followed a letter by the Republic of Cyprus’ permanent representative to the United Nations, Maria Michael, to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres protesting the agreement between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot authorities on the pipeline.
Michael wrote that the signing of the “purported memorandum of understanding” was a deliberate and provocative action by Turkey that violated international law, including relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.
She said preparatory activities appeared to have begun, noting that Turkey issued a navtex in July informing nearby vessels of planned seismic surveys for the pipeline. She described the agreement as null and void and said the entity in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus lacked international legal personality.
Pipeline plans
Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot authorities signed the memorandum of understanding on July 10. Yilmaz said at the time that the energy-sector step would be a historic turning point in cooperation between the two sides.
Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel said the project was intended for future generations and demonstrated a commitment to leave a stronger, more sustainable and competitive country for children.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the pipeline would run from Anamur in Turkey’s Mersin province to the Teknecik power station outside Kyrenia.
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