Cyprus’ EEZ

The talks came amidst heightened tensions between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey, which is conducting illegal drilling for hydrocarbons in Cyprus’ EEZ.

The Republic of Cyprus has said that a proportional amount of the island’s gas and oil wealth will be set aside for the Turkish-Cypriots pending a settlement.

'Adopting tactics of escalation that lead to an impasse and are fruitless is of no use. It is not a sign of strength. It is a sign of weakness,' the PM said in response to remarks by Tayyip Erdogan.

'The European Council endorses the invitation to the Commission and the EEAS to submit options for appropriate measures without delay, including targeted measures,' the summit conclusions stated.

The abandonment of plans for a Cyprus settlement combined with the fact that Turkey is distancing itself from the EU with Erdogan's tougher stance are swiftly moving toward a final divorce that will not be smooth.

'We are attempting to de-escalate tensions in the Aegean - which entail dangers of an accident – with continuing discussions on implementation of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) agreed to over the last decades.'

On 10 June, the Cypriot daily Phileleftheros reported that Nicosia has issued international arrest warrants for 25 individuals linked to Turkish Petroleum’s illegal offshore drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ.

What is needed is a national unity of spirit so as to agree to a national strategy which all parties will respect.

Nicosia hopes Total-ENI collaboration in its EEZ will hamper Erdogan’s plans far more effectively than the EU’s verbal remonstrance and tepid warnings.

For months it has been clear that sooner or later Ankara would proceed with actions aiming to ensure that it has a place on the energy map of the southern Aegean.

The Turkish defence minister said that Ankara seeks a dialogue at every level and conducts talks and contacts with its neighbours, but will give the necessary response if provoked.

In view of the start of exploration by ExxonMobil in bloc 10, and possible exercises that will bolster Ankara’s provocative stance, the whole enterprise appears to be at a razor’s edge.