Cyprus Accuses Turkey of Conducting Illegal Seismic Survey in Cypriot Waters

Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Turkey of illegal conduct in the Cypriot waters, after Turkey issued NAVTEX concerning seismic surveys in territorial waters and the EEZ of Cyprus.

Turkey's Seismic Survey in is Cypriot Waters Illegal, Foreign Affairs Ministry Says

“With a Navigational Warning dated 22 November 2013, Turkey illegally reserved sea areas, which include part of the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus, near the southern coasts of the Karpas Peninsula and the Famagusta Gulf, as well as part of the adjacent Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The reason stated, for the reservation of the said areas, is the conduct of seismic survey by the Turkish survey vessel Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa, from 22 November to 18 December 2013. The Cyprus Government issued immediately a Notice, which underlines that sea areas within the Search and Rescue Region of the Republic of Cyprus (which also include the territorial waters) as well as the Cyprus’ EEZ can only be reserved by the Republic of Cyprus,” the Ministry said in a statement.

Turkey’s TPAO is using the high-end seismic survey vessel which it bought from Polarcus earlier this year.

The Ministry said it is closely following the Turkish moves and activities and takes all due actions to protest the new violations by Turkey of the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdictions of the Republic of Cyprus in its seas.

Also, the Ministry said it was considering further ways of conveying the message to Ankara that it is not in its interests to continue undermining stability and security in the region and violating its legal obligations towards all members of the international community.

“Despite Turkey’s delinquent behavior, the Republic of Cyprus will continue undistracted its activities for exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in its seas, through the duly licensed by the Republic of Cyprus oil and gas companies, always acting in accordance with the relevant provisions of the International Law of the Sea and its national legislation,” the Ministry concluded.

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Offshore Energy Today Staff, November 27, 2013