Plans by the Ministry of Commerce to start the exploration and extraction of possible hydrocarbon reserves in Block 12 “Aphrodite” in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone are going ahead, according to Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Praxoula Antoniadou.
She told reporters, on the sidelines of a House Committee meeting, that as a Minister and as a politician, she has sent a message to Turkey that if it is looking forward to a future of peaceful cooperation, then the best thing it can do is to allow for a solution to the Cyprus issue.
“As things stand at present, only Cyprus can allow the continuation of Turkey’s accession course, and the best way to contribute to creating a climate of peace and cooperation in the region is to help efforts towards a solution which will reunite Cyprus,” she said.
A solution, she pointed out, should be based on the agreed framework for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with “political equality, as defined in UN resolutions, so that everyone together, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Middle East countries can coopere and develop within the European family”.
Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, has blocked several negotiating chapters in Turkey's membership talks, because Ankara refuses to meet its EU obligations which relate to Cyprus, including normalising relations with the Republic and opening its ports and airports to Cypriot flagged vessels and aircraft.
The Commerce Minister said that later Thursday she will have a meeting with the US company “Noble Energy”, which has undertaken to carry out the exploration in block 12.
She said Noble had asked for the meeting to get to know the new Minister who assumed office earlier this month.
Replying to questions, she said the company did not appear concerned with Turkish threats against Cyprus for exercising its sovereign rights.
‘Noble Energy’ received on October 2008 a concession from the government of the Republic of Cyprus to explore for hydrocarbons in Block 12, located in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, which borders reserve-rich ‘Leviathan’ in Israel’s EEZ.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.