- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Erdogan Warns 'Bandits of Sea' Against Drilling For Gas in Eastern Mediterranean

© REUTERS / Kayhan OzerTurkish President Erdogan speaks during a ceremony at a shipyard
Turkish President Erdogan speaks during a ceremony at a shipyard - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Turkey has on multiple occasions objected to gas field explorations and drilling near Cyprus’ shores, claiming the right to natural resources in the Eastern Mediterranean for itself and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed foreign energy companies working off the shores of Cyprus as "bandits of the sea" in a speech by the newly commissioned TCG Burgazada, the third Turkish-made corvette. He warned them against exploiting the resources of the eastern Mediterranean without Turkey's participation or permission.

Nicosia City View - The Capital of Cyprus and Northern Part. - Sputnik International
Erdogan’s Supporters Post Video With Cyprus Shown as Turkish Territory

"As we made the terrorists in Syria pay, we will not leave the scene to the bandits of the sea. It is absolutely unacceptable to usurp the natural resources of the eastern Mediterranean while excluding Turkey and the TRNC," Erdogan said.

He also promised that those who are already "exploiting" resources in the eastern Mediterranean would soon understand "what a big mistake they were making."

Turkey claims that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has a right to Cyprus' offshore natural resources and thus demands that other states and companies negotiate resource extraction with Ankara. The TRNC is currently only recognized by Turkey.

READ MORE: Erdogan: If Cyprus Holds Ops in Mediterranean, Region to Face Security Threat

In October, Ankara slammed Greece over one of its frigates "harassing" a Turkish gas exploration vessel in the waters west of Cyprus. Athens denied the Turkish accusations. At the same time, an ENI drillship was forced to abandon its mission and return to port in February 2018 after a Turkish warship block it from passing into Cypriot waters.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала