Exploration activities of ExxonMobil off the Island of Cyprus within the so-called "block" 10 upon the license given by the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus do not contribute to the stability of the region. They may also change certain sensitive balances with regard to the resolution of the problem.

We had warned the Greek Cypriot Administration to halt its unilateral hydrocarbon exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean region, stating that the natural resources around the Cyprus Island belong not only to the Greek Cypriot side, but to both sides. We seize this opportunity to reiterate our warning towards the companies involved in the unilateral exploration and exploitation activities of the Greek Cypriot Administration. We remind that the sharing of the natural resources of the Cyprus Island is related to the essence of the Cyprus issue.

As in the past, we will continue to take necessary diplomatic and political steps, in coordination with the TRNC, with a view to protecting the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people, as the equal owners of the Island, stemming from international law. We will start activities in the areas licensed by the Turkish Cypriots to the Turkish Petroleum, in addition to our continental shelf.