In a provocative move that has reignited tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Greek Cypriot administration issued a NAVTEX (Navigational Telex) on December 24, 2024, declaring intentions to conduct hydrocarbon exploration in Block 5 of its self-declared Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This action not only disregards the sovereign rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) but also encroaches upon areas within Türkiye's continental shelf, as registered with the United Nations.

Background of the Dispute

In recent years, the discovery of significant hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean has intensified disputes. The Greek Cypriot administration has been actively pursuing exploration and drilling activities, granting licenses to international energy companies in areas that overlap with the maritime jurisdictions claimed by both the TRNC and Türkiye.

The Contested Block 5

The latest NAVTEX pertains to Block 5, a maritime area that the Greek Cypriot administration has unilaterally designated within its EEZ. Notably, a significant portion of this block lies within the 200-mile continental shelf that Türkiye has registered with the UN. Furthermore, as with other blocks declared by the Greek Cypriot administration, this area includes the equal rights and shares of the Turkish Cypriot people, one of the two co-owners of the island.

The Greek Cypriot administration has authorized the ExxonMobil-Qatar Energy consortium to conduct drilling activities in this contested area. This move is perceived as an attempt to usurp the rights of both Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot people, undermining the prospects for a fair and equitable resolution to the island's longstanding division.

Türkiye and TRNC's Stance

Türkiye and the TRNC have consistently opposed unilateral actions by the Greek Cypriot administration that disregard the rights of Turkish Cypriots and infringe upon Türkiye's maritime jurisdiction. In the past, the Turkish Navy has effectively prevented unauthorized drilling activities by deploying naval assets to the contested areas, ensuring that the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people are safeguarded.

In response to the latest NAVTEX, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Türkiye's commitment to protecting its rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. He stated, “There are many issues linked to each other in the Aegean that we need to work on and seek solutions for. We cannot group them all as solely maritime delimitation or exclusive economic zones.”

International Implications

The Greek Cypriot administration's unilateral actions not only escalate regional tensions but also undermine efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. By disregarding the rights of the Turkish Cypriot community and proceeding with hydrocarbon exploration in disputed areas, the Greek Cypriot side jeopardizes the prospects for cooperation and mutual benefit that could arise from the island's natural resources.

The international community, particularly the European Union and the United Nations, has a responsibility to address these provocations and encourage dialogue between the parties involved. A fair and equitable sharing of resources, based on the principles of sovereign equality and respect for the rights of both communities on the island, is essential for regional stability and prosperity.

Decisive Measures

In light of the recent developments, it is imperative for the TRNC and Türkiye to take decisive measures to protect their rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. This includes issuing a counter-NAVTEX to declare the Greek Cypriot administration's NAVTEX invalid and deploying naval assets to the contested area to assert their presence and deter any unauthorized activities.

Furthermore, the TRNC should continue to fully advocate for its recognition as a sovereign state, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution that reflects the realities on the ground. As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, “There are two separate peoples and two separate states on the island. They can live side by side in cooperation, as neighbors.”

TCE Conclusion

The Greek Cypriot administration's recent NAVTEX is a blatant disregard for the rights and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot people and the maritime jurisdiction of Türkiye. Such unilateral actions serve only to heighten tensions and hinder the prospects for a peaceful and equitable resolution to the Cyprus issue.

It is incumbent upon the international community to recognize the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people and support efforts towards a two-state solution that ensures peace, stability, and mutual respect in the Eastern Mediterranean.

References:

- “Cyprus–Turkey maritime zones dispute,” Wikipedia.

- “The Eastern Mediterranean Energy Dispute and the Rights of Turkish Cypriots,” Turkish Cypriot Existence.

- “Greece, Turkey to keep talking on maritime boundaries agenda, ministers say,” Reuters, November 8, 2024.

- “Greek-Turkish: Continental shelf and EEZ the only difference, says Gerapetritis; Fidan speaks of interconnected problems,” Proto Thema, November 7, 2024.

- “Federal solution 'not possible' for Cyprus, says Turkish President Erdogan,” Anadolu Agency, July 20, 2024.