Turks propose freezing all surveys
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
The 'freezing' of surveys conducted by the Republic of Cyprus in its EEZ is sought by Ankara. According to reliable information from the Cypriot press, the message sent by Turkey to Cyprus as a "recipe for deufing tensions," consists of moves on both sides, which will lead to an "equivalent value" effect.
Specifically, what seems to have been brought to the United Nations by Ankara (and by Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu), is to "freeze" the surveys for hydrocarbons by the Republic of Cyprus and stop any movement, such as a new licensing round .
In return, Turkey will suspend its investigations, conducted under the authority of the alleged pseudo-state in the region south of the island, within the EEZ of the Republic.
The Turkish research vessel "Barbara" continues to conduct seismographic surveys, and Ankara in view of completion prepared for the next step, which, according to leaks made by Turkey and Turkish Cypriot sources, is to install platforms.
According to “Fileleftheros” newspaper this diplomatic "maneuver" on the part of Turkey to freeze developments for hydrocarbons shows its intentions.First, it sends the message that the easing of tension, which it caused in the region, passes through a dilemma posed to Nicosia by extortion, threats and attempts to impose a military presence: Either start a debate on co-management of natural resources or terminate investigations.Secondly, viewed from the Turkish side of the familiar tactic. It once again adopts the recipe, of causing the crisis and asking for trade-offs in return to defuse it.
