In the azure waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, beneath the surface of the sea, lies a wealth of natural gas reserves that have ignited not just drilling rigs but also geopolitical tensions. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek side are locked in a contentious battle over energy exploration—a conflict that underscores decades of political marginalization and the denial of fundamental rights to the Turkish Cypriot people.

The Contested Blocks: Mapping the Division

The Republic of Cyprus (Greek side) has unilaterally delineated an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and licensed offshore blocks for hydrocarbon exploration. These blocks, numbering 13 in total, are located south and southwest of the island. International energy giants such as ExxonMobil, ENI (Italy), TotalEnergies (France), and Noble Energy have been granted licenses to explore and drill in several of these blocks:

- Block 10: Licensed to ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum. In 2019, ExxonMobil announced a significant gas discovery here, estimated at 5-8 trillion cubic feet.
  
- Blocks 6 and 11: Licensed to ENI and TotalEnergies. In 2018, ENI discovered the Calypso gas field in Block 6, which is believed to extend into the Turkish continental shelf.
  
- Block 12: Licensed to Noble Energy, which discovered the Aphrodite gas field in 2011, holding an estimated 4.5 trillion cubic feet of gas.

However, Türkiye and the TRNC contest the legitimacy of these licenses, asserting that parts of these blocks encroach upon their continental shelf and areas where Turkish Cypriots have equal rights to the resources.

Demographics and Rights: An Overlooked Community

The island of Cyprus is home to two main communities: the Turkish Cypriots in the north and the Greek Cypriots in the south. Despite the division since 1963, following years of ethnic cleansing and genocide against Turkish Cypriots, the Greek side continues to claim sovereignty over the entire island, often ignoring the existence and rights of the TRNC.

President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus emphasizes, "The natural resources around the island belong to both communities. Proceeding without the consent of the Turkish Cypriot people is a violation of our inherent rights."¹

The Turkish Cypriot population, representing approximately one-third of the island's inhabitants, has been excluded from decision-making processes related to the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources.

ExxonMobil and International Involvement

The involvement of major international companies like ExxonMobil has added complexity to the dispute. Their operations, conducted under licenses from the Greek side, are viewed by the TRNC and Türkiye as illegitimate without their consent.

In February 2019, ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum announced a significant gas discovery in Block 10. This discovery intensified the stakes and heightened tensions in the region. Similarly, ENI and TotalEnergies' activities in Blocks 6 and 11 have been met with objections.

Dr. Ioannis Grigoriadis, an expert in Eastern Mediterranean geopolitics, notes, "The participation of international energy companies in disputed areas complicates the situation, as it brings external stakeholders into a conflict that requires a nuanced and balanced approach."²

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal states have rights to resources within their EEZs. However, the unique political situation in Cyprus necessitates consideration of the rights of both communities. The TRNC argues that as co-owners of the island, Turkish Cypriots have an equal claim to its natural resources.

Sir Alan Duncan, former UK Minister for Europe and the Americas, highlighted, "Exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean should be conducted in a manner that benefits all communities on the island."³

The Greek side's unilateral actions raise significant legal and ethical questions about the equitable sharing of resources and the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot community's rights.

Turkey's Response: Protecting Turkish Cypriot Interests

In response to the exclusionary actions of the Greek side, Türkiye has deployed its own exploration and drilling vessels, such as the Fatih, Yavuz, and Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa, to areas it claims fall within its continental shelf or areas licensed by the TRNC to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO).

Former Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu stated, "Türkiye is committed to protecting the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots. We will not allow unilateral actions that disregard our legitimate claims."⁴

This assertive stance has led to naval confrontations, including incidents where Turkish warships have intercepted vessels contracted by the Greek side, preventing them from reaching contested exploration sites.

International Responses and Double Standards

The European Union has expressed solidarity with the Greek side, condemning Türkiye's drilling activities and threatening sanctions. This stance overlooks the legitimate rights and concerns of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini stated, "We urge Türkiye to respect the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus."⁵ Such statements fail to acknowledge the complex realities on the ground and the need for inclusive solutions.

The TRNC views this as a continuation of international bias. Professor Kudret Özersay, former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the TRNC, remarked, "The international community's selective approach undermines prospects for a fair and lasting solution. Recognizing only one side's claims while ignoring the other's rights is unjust."⁶

The Need for Equitable Solutions

A sustainable resolution requires acknowledging the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. The TRNC has proposed establishing a joint committee to manage hydrocarbon resources, ensuring equitable sharing and cooperation.

In July 2019, President Mustafa Akıncı of the TRNC sent a formal proposal to the Greek leader, suggesting collaboration on energy resources. Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected.

President Ersin Tatar reiterates, "Our proposal for cooperation remains on the table. Joint management of resources is essential for building trust and achieving a comprehensive settlement."⁷

TCE Conclusion: Advocating for Rights and Cooperation

The battle over oil and gas in the Eastern Mediterranean is more than a contest for resources; it reflects the ongoing struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people for recognition, equality, and justice. The unilateral actions of the Greek side, coupled with the involvement of international companies like ExxonMobil, exacerbate tensions and hinder the prospects for peace.

The international community must adopt a balanced approach that respects the rights of both communities. By facilitating dialogue and promoting equitable sharing of resources, a path toward lasting peace and cooperation can be forged.

Ignoring the legitimate claims of the Turkish Cypriots only deepens divisions. It's imperative to move beyond biased stances and work towards solutions that acknowledge and respect the rights of all parties involved.

References:

¹ Tatar, E. (2020). Statement on Eastern Mediterranean Resources. TRNC Presidential Office.

² Grigoriadis, I. (2019). Energy Discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean: Conflict or Cooperation? Middle Eastern Studies Journal.

³ Duncan, A. (2018). Parliamentary Debate on Cyprus Energy Dispute. UK Parliament Hansard.

⁴ Çavuşoğlu, M. (2019). Press Conference on Eastern Mediterranean Activities. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

⁵ Mogherini, F. (2019). EU Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on Turkey's Drilling Activities. European Union External Action.

⁶ Özersay, K. (2019). Interview with Anadolu Agency.

⁷ Tatar, E. (2021). Call for Dialogue on Energy Resources. TRNC Presidential Office.