The Greek Cypriot Administration created a new crisis situation around Cyprus. This time it is related to the maritime jurisdiction areas of the Island. They did it without taking into consideration the Turkish Cypriot rights in the State of Cyprus and consequently in the maritime areas.

As is known and persistently raised by Turkey and also by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot Administration does not represent the Turkish Cypriots. The UN Secretary General in his good offices mission tries to find a solution to the problem of Cyprus by means of negotiations between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. Therefore, anything to affect the final solution in the Island would definitely prejudice a negotiated agreement. Moreover, any unilateral action related with the maritime jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean would impinge on the rights of Turkey. That is why Turkey protested strongly the Greek Cypriot attempts to enter into agreements with Egypt and Lebanon concerning maritime jurisdiction areas. It is evident that such agreements are intended to allow exploration and exploitation of the sea bed resources.

From the international law point of view the delimitation of maritime areas in a semi-enclosed sea like the Eastern Mediterranean should be addressed jointly by all relevant states as UNCLOS underlines. This is necessary to avoid overlapping claims and to safeguard the rights and interests of all the concerned parties in the region. However, as the current Greek administration in the Island does not represent the Turkish component of the State of Cyprus, to achieve a negotiated general agreement becomes impossible.

Just to give an idea of what is involved in the Greek Cypriot action; one should remember that the agreement for the delineation of exclusive economic zones is designed to mark the underwater areas where each country can carry out exploration and exploitation of natural resources, oil and gas among others. The Greek Cypriots have tried to have such agreements with Egypt and Lebanon and than to offer some drilling rights to the oil companies. Press reports indicate that the Egyptian and Lebanese Governments appreciate the difficulties involved and the potential of increasing tension in the region. President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mehmet Ali Talat, has immediately protested the unlawful acts of the Greek Cypriots and has warned that no deals could go ahead without their consent.

He indicated that Turkish Cypriots were partners in everything that involves the state of Cyprus as a whole and that they will not allow their interests to be harmed.

We hope that his sad episode will come to an end without creating severe frictions and will call the attention of the world public opinion of the possible consequences of dragging the Cyprus question unresolved.