Erdogan stays silent on Qatar amid Cyprus gas row
Amid an escalating dispute over gas exploration off Cyprus, observers in Turkey are perplexed about why Ankara is sparing Qatar while harshly reacting to other countries and companies cooperating with the Greek Cypriots.
ANKARA, Turkey — A long-running dispute between Turkey and Greek Cyprus over gas exploration in the Mediterranean is escalating, but curiously, Ankara has remained silent on Qatar’s role in Greek Cypriot exploration efforts, raising questions as to what it might expect from its Arab ally in return.
Under a deal with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which only Ankara recognizes, the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation has begun drilling in offshore areas where the TRNC claims economic rights. Some areas are claimed by both sides of the long-divided island, fueling the drilling crisis. Last month, Turkish military ships on maneuvers off Cyprus blocked a drillship chartered by the Italian oil and gas company Eni from reaching an area the Greek Cypriots had slated for drilling. Another problem for Turkey is the exploration plans of a joint venture between US energy giant ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum (QP), which last year acquired a license for Block 10 in the exclusive economic zone the Greek Cypriots have declared.
Last July, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a warning to companies collaborating with the Greek Cypriots. Speaking at the World Petroleum Congress in Istanbul, he said, “There can be absolutely no understanding for some companies’ involvement in the irresponsible steps the Greek Cypriot side is taking.” Then, in remarks to reporters this month, he asserted, “No step can be taken [in the eastern Mediterranean] without the consent of the TRNC and Turkey.”
In a Feb. 27 telephone call with Erdogan, French President Emmanuel Macron urged “respect for Cyprus’ sovereignty.” The French energy giant Total is among the companies cooperating with Greek Cyprus.
