U.S. joins Egypt, EU to warn Turkey against drilling for oil, gas off Cyprus

BY

-

Mon, 06 May 2019 - 01:16 GMT

BY

Mon, 06 May 2019 - 01:16 GMT

FILE - The United States Flag

FILE - The United States Flag

CAIRO – 6 May 2019: The United States expressed its concern regarding Turkey’s announcement to begin offshore drilling operations in an area claimed by Cyprus as its exclusive economic zone, according to Reuters.

“The United States is deeply concerned by Turkey’s announced intentions to begin offshore drilling operations in an area claimed by the Republic of Cyprus as its exclusive economic zone,” said State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus on Sunday.

“This step is highly provocative and risks raising tensions in the region. We urge Turkish authorities to halt these operations and encourage all parties to act with restraint,” the statement said.

On May 4, Egypt's Foreign Ministry issued a statement which urged Turkey not to start drilling for oil and gas off Cyprus as the move is “deemed illegal by all International laws”.

Egypt, which signed a gas deal with Cyprus last year, said it was following the situation "with interest and concern".

In the statement, it warned of "the repercussions of any unilateral measures on the security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean" and urged states in the region to abide by international law.

Egypt and Cyprus agreed in September to build a pipeline to pump Cypriot gas to Egypt for processing and exporting to Europe.

Also, the European Union has condemned the Turkish announcement to start drilling near Cyprus.

EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini issued on Saturday a statement which urged Turkey to reconsider plans to start exploratory drilling for oil and gas off Cyprus.

"We express grave concern over Turkey's announced intention to carry out drilling activities within the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus," Mogherini said in the statement.

"In March 2018, the European Council strongly condemned Turkey's continued illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean," she added.

Comments

0

Leave a Comment

Be Social