The Greek Cypriot administration (GCA) of Southern Cyprus has announced that it will launch a hydrocarbon research activity on 3 October 2021 in the Eastern Mediterranean, with an Italian-owned and Maltese-flagged vessel. In addition to this, the GCA stated that a drilling activity is also planned to take place by the end of November in the southern part of the island. These unilateral acts by the Greek Cypriot side amount to a blatant violation of the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Despite the aggressive behaviour of the Greek Cypriot administration which escalates tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Turkish Cypriot side, since the first day, has made proposals for compromise and cooperation regarding the hydrocarbon resources. The comprehensive cooperation proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side dated 13 July 2019 regarding the hydrocarbon resources, is still on the table. It is never too late to follow the path of dialogue and cooperation.

Moreover, Turkey’s proposal to convene an inclusive conference with the participation of all interested parties in the Eastern Mediterranean, is an extremely important initiative paving the way forward.

However, the Greek Cypriot side’s approach on the matter has always been to turn deaf ears to our constructive proposals and to continue provocative actions. The unilateral acts by the Greek Cypriot administration do not only violate the Turkish Cypriot people’s rights, but also the continental shelf of the Republic of Turkey.

We, as the Turkish Cypriot side, once again reiterate our call for cooperation. We will continue taking reciprocal and simultaneous steps together with our Motherland Turkey, should the Greek Cypriot side continues violating our rights with its unilateral actions in the region.