There have been reports in the press that the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Anastasiades, met on 22 March, during his visit to the USA, with representatives of one of the hydrocarbon companies that took part in the Greek Cypriot Administration’s third international tender within its so-called exclusive economic zone. These contacts clearly demonstrate yet again how the Greek Cypriot Administration disregards, in its unilateral pursuit of hydrocarbon-related activities, the inalienable rights on natural resources of the Turkish Cypriot people, the co-owners of the Island.

Most recently, at the 17 March meeting of its Council of Ministers, the Greek Cypriot Administration approved the signing of exploration and exploitation contracts for three separate areas with several companies, including the abovementioned one.

This attitude shows that the Greek Cypriot Administration is still not able to grasp the win-win-based potential for economic cooperation that can ensue on the Island and in the Eastern Mediterranean from a comprehensive settlement, towards which the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey have been expending intensive efforts.

We expect the Greek Cypriot side, which refuses to accept the Turkish Cypriots as politically equal partners on the Island, to refrain from acting as though it were the sole owner of the Island’s natural resources and to cease its hydrocarbon-related activities. It will be recalled in this context that in previous years, such activities have led to the failure of efforts aiming towards a comprehensive settlement. We also make use of this opportunity to remind once again that Turkey will take all necessary measures to protect its interests in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as the rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.