President Mehmet Ali Talat stating that he had not threaten anybody regarding the oil agreement signed between the Greek Cypriot administration and Lebanon, said he had just warned that this issue could become more complicated. “It is out of question for me to threat anybody with war”, President Talat added.

According to the statement issued by TRNC Presidency, President Talat yesterday (29 January) pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot side was searching the issue of oil agreement signed between the Greek Cypriot administration and Lebanon. Talat explained that the Turkish Cypriot side had previously put forward its stance on the issue by stressing that Turkish Cypriots have the right to benefit from all kinds of economic advantages in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus.

Drawing attention to the fact that this right was stemming from the Treaty of Guarantee and of Alliance and the establishment of ‘the Republic of Cyprus’, President Talat said: “We are not at the position to abandon this right” and expressed his anxiety, because his previous comments on the issue was reflected as a threat in the press. Continuing, President Talat said:

“We are searching the issue. We have already put forward our stance on the issue. Turkish Cypriots have the right to benefit from all kinds of economic advantages in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. This right stems from the Treaty of Guarantee and of Alliance, and the establishment of the ‘Republic of Cyprus’. We are not at the position to abandon this right. I am sorry that my previous statements were reflected as a threat in the press. I have not threatened anybody with war. I have just warned that this issue could become more complicated.”

The ongoing discussion in the Greek Cypriot side regarding the exploitation of natural resources in the seas surrounding Cyprus is remarkable in terms of indicating the approach employed by the Greek Cypriot side towards the Cyprus Issue.

The attempt of the Greek Cypriot side to sign agreements with neighboring countries as if it is the sole representative of Cyprus is absolutely unacceptable. It is also quite evident that any steps concerning the issue would strain the relations in our region.

Turkish Cypriot side is of the belief that it is the right of all peoples living in Cyprus to benefit from the natural wealth of the island. Reaching a just and comprehensive settlement for the Cyprus Issue will facilitate implementation of this right.

However, the spokesmen of the Greek Cypriot side in their statements upon the recent developments have once again and clearly expressed that they do not wish to exercise the rights of sovereignty of Cyprus on a collective basis with the Turkish Cypriots, which is the main approach that gave rise to the Cyprus Issue and obstructs its settlement.

Unless the natural wealth of Cyprus is exploited and its sovereignty is exercised by the peoples living on the island, the Cyprus Issue will continue to be a source of tension.