Alex Christoforou
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
The Duran’s Alex Christoforou and Editor-in-Chief Alexander Mercouris discuss rising tensions in the Mediterranean, as Turkey pushes forward with its illegal oil and gas drilling, despite EU sanctions.
Turkish President Erdogan stated that Turkey is prepared to reinvade Cyprus if needed.
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Oil & Gas Hubris Moves Cyprus, Greece & Turkey Closer To Conflict by The Duran
The Duran Quick Take: Episode 252. The Duran’s Alex Christoforou and Editor-in-Chief Alexander Mercouris discuss rising tensions in the Mediterranean, as Turkey pushes forward with its illegal oil and gas drilling, despite EU sanctions. Turkish President Erdogan stated that Turkey is prepared to reinvade Cyprus if needed.
Via Zerohedge…
Turkey’s military is prepared to reinvade Cyprus “if needed for the lives and security of Turkish Cypriots,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.
“The entire world is watching our determination. No one should doubt that the heroic Turkish army, which sees [Northern] Cyprus as its homeland, will not hesitate to take the same step it took 45 years ago if needed for the lives and security of the Turkish Cypriots,” state-run Anadolu News Agency quoted Erdogan as saying.
Erdogan issued the statement as the nation marks the 45th anniversary of Turkey’s deeply controversial invasion of northern Cyprus in 1974, long condemned by the bulk of UN member countries.
But the provocative remarks come amidst what EU-member Cyprus has dubbed a “second invasion” involving illegal Turkish oil and gas drilling, accompanied by Turkish warships, F-16s, and drones to ensure “protection” of its drilling vessels.
The EU agreed on Monday to bring financial and political sanctions against Turkey after repeat warnings of the past weeks over Ankara deploying multiple offshore drilling vessels into international recognized Cypriot waters.
The European Union announced Monday from Brussels:
“Today, we will adopt a number of measures against Turkey — less money, fewer loans through the European Investment Bank, freeze of aviation agreement talks. Naturally, other sanctions are possible.”
The most serious measure will involve a cut of 145.8 million euros ($164 million) in European funds allocated to Turkey for 2020, according to a prior AFP report.
Erdogan appeared to directly address the crisis in his Saturday statement:
“Those who think the wealth of the island and the region only belongs to them will face the determination of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots.”
…Indicating an unwillingness to back down on Turkey’s oil and gas exploration claims inside Greek Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.
“Those who dream of changing the fact that Turkish Cypriots are an integral part of the Turkish nation will soon realize that it is in vain,” Erdogan added.
Turkey has laid claim to a waters extending a whopping 200 miles from its coast, brazenly asserting ownership over a swathe of the Mediterranean that even cuts into Greece’s exclusive economic zone. So far Ankara has responded to EU sanctions by reaffirming its rights to waters of all parts of Cyprus’ coast.
Should the Turkish military attempt to enforce its drilling claims and run up against Cypriot and Greek vessels, it could spark a deadly encounter which would force the EU and NATO to finally weigh in more forcefully.
And just on the heels of the Russian S-400 standoff with Washington, the next major Turkish showdown with the West looks to be fast heating up in the eastern Mediterranean.
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Big powers trying to drive a wedge between Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. It would be good for all Mediterranean countries not to get involved in any kind of conflict. They are all neighbours, better live in peace with each other.
Speaking of oil & gas hubris:
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Why-OPEC-Will-Outlive-Shale.html
It is not oil and gas hubris, but it is Turkey’s imperialistic policies. Thank you
As a Greek I totally disagree with this article. Is not the hybris but Turkey is the problem. Or what would someone suggest for Cyprus? Not to use any of the natural wealth of Greece and Cyprus because Turkey might want it, and this is called hybris. The poor Cypriots proposed (who have suffered SO MUCH ans STILL live as refugees in their own island) to Russia, but Russia, so that Russia could also be involved with its expertive in exploiting the gas and Russia was not interested. Then they proposed to USA and Israel , but are in trlaterals… Read more »