French company Total preparing to drill off Cyprus for natural gas, says ministry source.

French company Total preparing to drill off Cyprus for natural gas, says ministry source. (Famagusta).

Total, along with Italy's ENI and Exxon Mobil, was awarded licenses for hydrocarbons exploration by Cyprus last month.

The ministry source said Total plans to drill in block 11 of Cyprus' exclusive economic zone, which shares a boundary to the south with the giant Egyptian Zohr natural gas well, the largest ever field discovered in the eastern Mediterranean.

"We do not know yet when the drill will start, but we were notified that it will be soon," the source said.

The Zohr discovery by ENI reinvigorated interest in the eastern Mediterranean natural gas as the drilling was done in carbonate layers, whereas previous successful natural gas drilling was carried out in lime layers.

A Total official said recently that the company's interest in Cypriot block 11 was prompted by its proximity to the Zohr discovery, estimated to contain 30 trillion cubic feet of gas.

Cypriot experts have said that block 11 sits on an undersea mountain range known as Eratosthenis, which was considered to be the source of all hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean.

The news about the impending drilling comes as efforts to solve the Cyprus problem are nearing a peak, with guarantor countries Greece, Turkey and Britain joining in discussions about security arrangements.

Turkey objects to drilling by Cyprus without the active participation of Turkish Cypriots, who pulled out of the government and the state 53 years ago.

The discovery of natural gas in Cyprus' continental shelf by United States-based Noble Energy and nearby discoveries by Israel is considered by analysts to be a factor strongly influencing Turkey's interest in solving the Cyprus dispute.

Cyprus and Egypt signed a framework agreement last August for the transfer of natural gas discovered by Noble Energy via pipe to Egypt's liquefaction terminals. The gas field, about 85 km off Cyprus' southern shores, is estimated to contain 4.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Some analysts say that Turkey counts on joining in on the proceeds from the gas by offering facilities for a gas pipe through its territory to Europe.
An alternative route for the pipe is from the gas fields to Cyprus and Greece and from there to Prindisi in southern Italy.

This route had originally been excluded because of the high cost involved in the project which calls for a pipe 2,000 km long, most of it on the sea bed, capable of a yearly capacity of 12 billion cubic meters of gas.

But recent revised estimates by the European Union lowered the cost to around 5 billion euros, which is considered by specialists to be a viable proposition.

The director general of the energy ministries of Israel, Cyprus, Greece and Italy are to meet in Brussels on Monday to consider plans for the project.

Their talks will prepare a meeting of the Energy Ministers of the four countries scheduled for next month in Jerusalem.

Cyprus, Egypt sign memorandum of Military and defense cooperation.

Cyprus, Egypt sign memorandum of Military and defense cooperation. (Famagusta).

Cyprus and Egypt signed a Memorandum of Military and Defence Cooperation on Tuesday, further enhancing their relations.

The two countries share sea borders in the most southeastern tip of the Mediterranean, where vast quantities of natural gas have been discovered.

The signing of the defence memorandum came during an official visit by Egypt's Minister of Defence and Military Production, Colonel General Sedki Sobhi.

No details of the memorandum were made public, but the two countries share common concerns for the safety of undersea natural gas infrastructure.

Egypt has agreed to buy gas from a natural gas field about 65 km south of Cyprus's shores.

Cyprus and Egypt have strong historical ties and their relations became even closer when Egypt provided Cyprus with guns in the 1960s.

Sobhi said relations became very close since the mid-1950s, when Cypriots were fighting a guerilla war against British colonial rule.

He said talks he had with his Cypriot counterpart Christoforos Fokaides offered an opportunity for consultations and discussion over issues of mutual concern regarding military cooperation.

"The talks were in the framework of joint efforts that serve our interest and protection of our security and our regions security," he added.

Sobhi added that the talks covered challenges facing the two countries "on top of which is the outbreak of terrorism which has become in the recent years a major threat to the Middle East and Europe."

"Talks focused on expanding areas of military cooperation... between our two nations over common issues and challenges threatening safety and security of this region," he said.

Illegal migration was also discussed, he added.

Sobhi said the talks and the defence memorandum are the practical application of the "Nicosia Announcement", a declaration of cooperation between the two countries which also involves Greece.

Fokaides said the agreement is only aimed at promoting bilateral relations and is not hostile to any country.

"It is not directed against any other country... it is an important step towards the deepening of our bilateral relations in the field of security and defence," he said.

'Neo-Ottoman Conquerors' - Turkey to make no concession on Cyprus policy: Erdogan

'Neo-Ottoman Conquerors' - Turkey to make no concession on Cyprus policy: Erdogan. (Taz).

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that no concessions will be made on Turkey's policy concerning Turkish Cypriots Anadolu Agency reported.

Addressing the Sixth World Forum on Energy Regulation in Istanbul Monday, Erdogan said: "It is not possible for us to make any concessions on our policy regarding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the island's energy resources."

Erdogan also said that Turkey was a key country for utilizing and delivering the resources off the island, which he added belonged to each resident.

Political tensions in the long-divided island have eased since full-fledged talks resumed on May 15 and Mustafa Akinci was elected the new Turkish Cypriot president last month.

Akinci and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades met for an unprecedented tour in Lefkosa's historical site on May 23 and will reconvene on May 28.

The Greek Cypriot administration had unilaterally suspended the talks last October after Turkey issued an advisory on behalf of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for seismic research off the coast of Cyprus.


The island was divided into a Turkish Cypriot government in the northern third and a Greek Cypriot administration in the southern two-thirds after a 1974 military coup by Greece was followed by the peace operation of Turkey as a guarantor state in Cyprus. Hmmmm......The 'Angry man of Europe'

'Islamist' Turkish pres Erdogan snubbed by 17 EU Amb after refusing to meet the Cypriot envoy.

'Islamist' Turkish pres Erdogan snubbed by 17 EU Amb after refusing to meet Cypriot envoy. (CM).

TURKISH President Tayyip Erdogan was snubbed by 17 EU ambassadors accredited to Kuwait during a reception there on Tuesday, after he asked their Cypriot counterpart to leave the event, a foreign ministry official said on Thursday.

Permanent secretary Alexandros Zenon said the incident took place at a reception to honour Erdogan who was on a visit Kuwait. It is customary in such events to invite the ambassadors of all countries, Zenon said.

“I am under the impression due to excessive zeal and not because of official policy,” the Kuwaiti officials asked Cyprus’ ambassador Panayiotis Kyriacou to leave the reception because Erdogan did not want to shake hands with or meet him, Zenon said.

Kyriacou consulted Zenon who told him to stay put. Zenon spoke to the Kuwaiti ambassador in Nicosia “who was very co-operative and expressed surprise and regret”.

In the meantime Kyriacou had spoken to his EU colleagues and the French and Greek ambassadors said they would leave if officials insisted Kyriacou should leave.

All the EU ambassadors stayed at the reception but refused to greet Erdogan.

“They snubbed him apparently in show of support and solidarity to their Cypriot colleague,” Zenon said. Phileleftheros reported that this annoyed Erdogan who cut his visit short. Hmmm......This is the way to deal with 'The Angry man of Europe'.

How Turkish is that 'Turkish Stream'?

Some Kurd told me the Kurdish word for Donkey is 'Kerdogan'

How Turkish is that 'Turkish Stream'? (Taz).

The political interests of the countries don’t always coincide with their energy interests, and Russia is a clear example of that.

Russia gives importance to the implementation of the ‘Turkish Stream’ gas pipeline project, but at the same time, Moscow doesn’t take into account Ankara’s political and energy interests.

Since the day when Russia announced its intention to realize the ‘Turkish Stream’ as an alternative to Azerbaijan’s TANAP, there has been no doubt that the Russian project isn’t able to compete with that of Azerbaijan.

To understand the difference between TANAP and ‘Turkish Stream’, it is necessary to know all the pros and cons of these two projects.

In contrast to the ‘Turkish Stream’, TANAP has no questionable issues. TANAP’s route has been clearly defined, while Russia and Turkey have not yet agreed on a final route for the ‘Turkish Stream”.

Second, the real actions have been already taken for the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline construction. In particular, the TANAP foundation was laid in the Turkish province of Kars on March 17.

Moreover, the EU appreciates the TANAP project implementation.

There is also a shareholder agreement signed between BP and TANAP consortium. According to this agreement, the British company will become part of the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline shareholders.

Turkish Stream still could not attract significant attention.

TANAP will not only ensure Europe’s energy security, but also promote the development of the regions where this pipeline will run. By the way, Turkish officials have repeatedly emphasized this.

However, in the case of implementation of the Turkish Stream project, which in fact is not an energy project, but a political one, Turkey will benefit only from gas transportation.


In one word, Ankara will not be able to control the gas that will be transported through its territory.
So, there is no doubt that Ankara will not renounce its own interests in favor of Russia, all the more so, in the project that is not Turkish at all. Hmmm..........Notice the importance they give to 'controlling the gas flow'? Europe is an idiot to think 'Islamist turkey' as gas provider will be better then Putin's Russia.

Cyprus and Egypt on Monday signed an oil and gas Memorandum of Understanding.

Cyprus and Egypt on Monday signed an oil and gas Memorandum of Understanding.(CM).

It provides for cooperation between the two countries in the development and exploitation of the Cypriot ‘Aphrodite’ gas field in block 12 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, utilising gas infrastructure existing in Egypt for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

In particular, the MoU authorises the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) and the Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company (CHC) Ltd to examine technical solutions for transporting natural gas, through a direct marine pipeline, from the Aphrodite field to Egypt.

The Cypriot Government is in advanced talks with Russia regarding the signing of a number of cooperation agreements, the Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides, referring to the upcoming visit of President Nicos Anastasiades in Moscow.

Commenting on statements by Russian Ambassador Stanislav Osatsi in an interview with "Kathimerini" newspaper, that Russian - Turkey relations is not an obstacle for Russia's cooperation with Cyprus, Christodoulides said that "each country works solely trying to serve its own strategic interests and that is what Russia does, that is what the Republic of Cyprus does”.

"In this context we are in advanced processes, in advanced talks for the signing of a number of significant agreements and within the next week there will be more specific announcements by both the Russian side and the Republic of Cyprus," he said. Read the full story here.

Cyprus - Talks can resume only if 'Neo Otoman conquerors' Turkey acts responsibly.

Cyprus - Talks can resume only if 'Neo Otoman conquerors' Turkey acts responsibly. (CyprusMail).


The Cypriot government expressed the hope yesterday that Turkey will act in a way that will allow the resumption of reunification talks, suspended last October when Ankara dispatched a research vessel inside the island’s exclusive economic zone.

“It is an illegal action showing that Turkey does not respect the sovereign rights of the Republic inside its EEZ,” government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said.

Turkey, which supports the Turkish Cypriot breakaway state in the north, disputes Nicosia’s rights to search for gas.

The government said Turkish Cypriots can share potential benefits, but only when there is a peace deal. President Nicos Anastasiades pulled out of talks in October after Ankara issued a navigational telex, or NavTex, reserving research areas inside the Republic’s EEZ.

It subsequently dispatched a research vessel, Barbaros, to carry out seismic surveys in the area.

The NavTex expired in December but Turkey issued a fresh one early in January, which expires on April 6.

The Barbaros is currently anchored 2.5 kilometres off the coast of Salamis, in occupied Famagusta.

But the government said anything short of withdrawing the telex will not get the talks going.

“The key for the resumption of talks is not having a navigational telex on Turkey’s part,” Christodoulides said. That however, is unlikely to happen.

In any case, Turkish Cypriots have leadership elections on April 19, and even without the NavTex holding up the talks, any form of substantive dialogue would have been doubtful. Hmmm.....Giving Turkey a permanent Seat at the U.N. would only unleash the 'beast'

Iran planning gas exports to Persian Gulf......And Europe.

Iran planning gas exports to Persian Gulf......And Europe.(Taz).

As Iran is discussing with the P5+1 over a final nuclear deal that would lead to the lifting of sanctions against the country, officials are already talking about scenarios for post-sanction economic activities, Press TV reported.

For a country that sits on huge reserves of natural gas, planning to diversify the range of clients for the crucial fuel appears to be already a priority.

Iran’s media reported on Saturday that National Iranian Gas Export Company (NIGEC) is currently engaged in talks with several Persian Gulf littoral states over the exports of natural gas.

“The top priority for Iran today is to export gas to Persian Gulf countries due to the short distance involved,” said Alireza Kameli, the managing director of NIGEC. “Iran can establish a pipeline of 200 kilometers and feed a large number of those countries,” he was quoted as saying by the Persian-language newspaper Jahan-e San’at.

Iran has the world’s second largest conventional gas reserves after Russian. The bulk of the country’s gas reserves are located in South Pars energy in Persian Gulf waters. The country produces over 600 million cubic meters (mcm/d) of gas from the existing projects in South Pars and officials have already emphasized that production will rise to above 700 mcm/d within the next three years.

“The solution for Iran over exports of natural gas to Persian Gulf countries is using seasonal export deals,” Kameli said.

“Iran’s gas consumption drops in the summer by at least 350 million cubic meters per day compared to the winter …This is while the need for imports of natural gas for the Persian Gulf countries becomes very intense in summers.”

NIGEC chief further emphasized that Iran is currently negotiating with the UAE, Kuwait and Oman over the exports of natural gas.

Iran’s next gas export priority, Kameli said, is Europe. Nevertheless, he did not mention India – that had been for long been a favorite destination to receive Iranian gas through Pakistan – in NIGEC’s post-sanctions export plans. Hmmm......And that's exactly what Erdogan is counting on, like a 'spider' in 'Gas web' waiting for it to pass through his lair, he 'rightly' believes that Europe will roll over and play dead in order to get cheap 'Russia, Iranian' Gas trough Turkey, Europe's 'values and politicians' are pretty cheap.

U.S. Denies 'Islamist Sometimes NATO Ally' Turkey Leftover Warships.

U.S. Denies 'Islamist Sometimes NATO Ally' Turkey Leftover Warships.(Eurasianet).

The U.S. Congress has approved the handover of some leftover naval vessels to allies, pointedly excluding Turkey from the list of recipients.

In late December, the U.S. finally approved the long-delayed handover of six naval frigates to Mexico and Taiwan. But the bill passed Congress only after Turkey (along with Pakistan and Thailand) were eliminated as potential recipients, for a variety of political reasons. 

In the 2012 version of the "Naval Transfer Act," Turkey was to receive two Oliver Hazard Perry class guided missile frigates, the USS Halyburton and the USS Thach, which are being decommissioned by the U.S. Navy.

But the inclusion of Turkey proved controversial, as members of Congress pointed out Turkey's increasingly hostile stance toward Israel and its threats against natural gas exploration by American companies near Cyprus. 

"I believe we should hold off on sending powerful warships to Turkey and encourage the government in Ankara to take a less belligerent approach to their neighbors," said Representative Eliot Engel during that debate.

That bill was ultimately defeated, and an alliance of Greek, Jewish, and Armenian lobbying groups took credit.

But the defeat was only a symbolic one, says Can Devrim Yaylali, a Turkish naval blogger, who notes that the frigates in question were significantly more poorly equipped than the ships Turkey currently operates (including those of the same class) and could only have been cannibalized for spare parts.

"The lack of these frigates will not have any effect on the Turkish Navy at all from a technical point of view," Yaylali tells The Bug Pit. "If the US lawmakers tried to give some kind of a signal to the Turkish government by not adding Turkey to the list of the nations that may get a frigate is beyond my understanding. But if they did; the message was not delivered as the medium is not the correct one."  Hmmm........US frigate donation to Obama's BFF Erdogan ‘Sunk’

Cypriot Archbishop : 'Neo Ottoman conqueror' ‘Turkey’s goal is the occupation of whole Cyprus’

Cypriot Archbishop : 'Neo Ottoman cqnqueror' ‘Turkey’s goal is the occupation of whole Cyprus’.(Independent Balkan News Agency)

Cypriot Archbishop Chrysostomos II called for “spiritual and national alertness”, noting in his Christmas message that the Turkish occupation of Cyprus poses a threat, not only to the country, but to faith as well.

In his Archiepiscopal circular, read after Christmas mass in all churches of Cyprus, the Archbishop notes that the teaching of Jesus Christ is in contrast with the passive acceptance of the occupation and illegal settlement of Cyprus by Turkey,

Turkish occupation poses a danger to faith, he added.

“Turkey`s final and permanent goal is the occupation and turkification of the whole of Cyprus” the Archbishop says, noting that this is also evident by its continuous provocations in Cyprus` exclusive economic zone.  Hmmm......I applaud the Archbishop for his wisdom and agree. 

Chance for Cyprus talks as Turkish ship 'Barbaros' to exit Exclusive Economic Zone.

Chance for Cyprus talks as Turkish ship 'Barbaros' to exit Exclusive Economic Zone. (Famagusta).

Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ergun Olgun has confirmed reports that the Turkish exploration vessel "Barbaros" will leave waters in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone on Tuesday, reports local media.

The about turn comes just days after Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot administration said they have no intention of halting exploration of the eastern Mediterranean.

The departure of the ship could open the way for a resumption of UN sponsored talks, which have been suspended since the vessel arrived in Cypriot waters in mid October.

In October, the Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos stated presence of the Turkish research vessel constitutes a "brutal violation of the international law of the sea”.

On Wednesday President Anastasiades said that Ankara`s positions for a resumption of the talks not only do not satisfy us but create more problems.

He told journalists after a cabinet meeting that he will not tolerate partners who undermine the existence of the Republic of Cyprus.

"I would like to make clear that I will never tolerate partners to a state which are not active but instead make threats with new plans,” he remarked.

Greek Cypriots suspended peace talks with Turkish Cypriots on in October in protest at what they called attempts by Turkey to undermine gas exploration off the island. Hmmm.....It's not because the 'Barbarians' 'Barbaros' leaves that they have given up.

'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey: "We won't accept Greece-Egypt-Israeli Mediterranean deal"

'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey: "We won't accept Greece-Egypt-Israeli Mediterranean deal" (AA).

Any delimitation on the Mediterranean between Egypt and Greece will not be acceptable if it affects Turkey's national interest, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said.

Davutoglu made the remarks in an interview published Sunday in a Greek newspaper, To Vima, which he gave at the end of the third High-Level Cooperation Council meeting between Greece and Turkey in Athens on Dec. 6.

"If Greece signs the agreement with Egypt, we would not accept it if it affects our national interests. This agreement will not exist for us," the premier said.

Ankara believes there can be no demarcation in the Eastern Mediterranean without it.

He also called the trilateral cooperation between Greece-Cyprus-Cairo and Greece-Cyprus-Israel for natural resources "opportunism" that came at a "bad time.”

The Turkish premier said the gas pipeline imagined between Israel and Cyprus through Greece to Europe was unsustainable economically and technically.

He denied the cooperation deals were a threat to Turkey. "We do not feel any threat. No one can threaten us,” he said.

"In the Eastern Mediterranean, all arrangements, especially the boundaries on maritime zones should be made after negotiations with all parties. If two parties or three parties declare an Exclusive Economic Zone without consulting the other parties, who are also interested and have a legitimate interest, then it moves against the international law,” he said. Hmmm....While telling The EU parliament to stick their resolution on Cyprus where the sun doesn't shine.......'Advanced Islamist Dictatorship' logic  the Mediterranean sea is ours. I Guess that meeting today with the new EU representative went great.Read the full story here.

Turkey must work towards Cyprus solution to take part in energy matters - Gov. spokesman

Turkey must work towards Cyprus solution to take part in energy matters - Gov. spokesman. (Famagusta).

CYPRUS has urged Turkey to work towards a political settlement if it wants to join the dialogue on energy matters.

“Various countries of the region do participate in an ongoing dialogue concerning energy matters and if Turkey wants to be part of this discussion, it needs to work towards the solution of the Cyprus problem,” Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides told the Cyprus News Agency last night.

On Saturday Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey said they felt confident that talks between the two communities in Cyprus will resume shortly.

However, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and his visiting Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu acknowledged that the two sides disagreed on key issues – with the division of the island being one of them — © FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE CYPRUS

'Neo Ottoman conqueror' Turkey will be the primary user of 'Occupied' Cyprus gas.

'Neo Ottoman conqueror' Turkey will be the primary user of 'Occupied' Cyprus gas. (HD).

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu highlighted Nov. 22 the importance of the use of Cyrpus's natural resources for peace, adding that Turkey would be the primary user of gas coming out of the divided island.

Davutoğlu made the remarks in a speech at the closing session of the sixth Atlantic Council Energy and Economic Summit in Istanbul.

"Everyone will gain in Cyprus if both sides accept that natural sources around the island belong to all sides. Peace should be achieved without delay," he said.

He called for restarting negotiations over the issue. "Let's use this opportunity for the solution of this issue," he said.

The prime minister also referred to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline spanning the Caspian and the Mediterranean. He called on Armenia to remain peaceful when Caspian oil gets transferred to Europe.

"Energy is a great value for us; it should be used for the prosperity of humanity. When it is used as a tool for conflict, there will be no winners in the long term," Davutoğlu said.

Davutoğlu also said energy-related issues would top Turkey's agenda during its G20 presidency term.

Turkey is set to take over the 2015 term-presidency of the G20 group in December.

"Around half of humanity does not have access to power. When we start our G20 presidency, we will take steps to improve the situation for all humanity," he said.

"The cooperation between the two countries is needed even more in these days," Davutoğlu said. "Especially for energy and economy, we know that crises are becoming intense in our region," he added.

He said the geopolitical issues leave an impact on Turkey.

"All the crises in Turkey's neighboring countries have made an impact on our country," he said. "We are not willing to see regimes torturing their nations and terrorist organizations threatening peoples' lives and safety."

"Iraq can become the fastest-growing country in the world if stability is achieved. It is the luckiest country in the Middle East in terms of its rich natural sources and big population," the premier added. Hmmmm........

#ISIS appeared just in time to give 'Neo Ottoman conqueror' #Turkey this great deal. @etabori @friendsofbibi #ISIS http://t.co/mLF3NqrNTP
— MFS - The Other News (@MFS001) November 21, 2014

Related: Turkey's oil and gas reserves to diminish in 20 years, reason why Cyprus, Iraq and Israel should worry?


EU Parliament urges 'Bully' Turkey to stop maritime surveys for gas in Cyprus Exclusive Zone


Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkır said on Nov. 13 that Ankara will “not accept” the European Parliament’s decision on the resolution. 

“It has no validity for us,” said EU Minister Volkan Bozkır, in reference to the draft resolution, during a meeting with Hungary’s minister of foreign affairs and trade in Ankara. 

Israel pitches ‘massive’ natural gas pipeline plan to Europe, via Cyprus.

Israel pitches ‘massive’ natural gas pipeline plan to Europe, via Cyprus. (TOI). HT: Cypruspuzzle.

Israel has proposed that EU countries invest in a multi-billion euro pipeline to carry its natural gas to the continent, noting that the supply from Israel would reduce Europe’s current dependence on natural gas from Russia

A proposal for the “massive” project was introduced by Israel’s Energy Minister Silvan Shalom to energy ministers from Euro-Mediterranean countries who met in Rome earlier this week, Israel’s Channel 2 reported on Thursday.

It said the project would require a multi-billion euro investment from Europe to build a pipeline from Israel’s Mediterranean cost to Cyprus, from where the gas would be carried on to Greece and Italy.

The TV report said Cyprus, Greece and Italy were all supportive of the idea, and that Israel would make a formal presentation of the project to European representatives in Brussels in three weeks’ time.

It would be cheaper for Europe to work on a supply route with Egypt, but this could expose the Europeans to instability because of the unpredictable political developments in Egypt, the report noted. Similarly, a pipeline from Israel to Turkey would be less expensive, but bilateral relations rule this out so long as Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a prominent critic of Israel, holds power there.

In September, Israel signed a deal to supply Jordan with $15 billion worth of natural gas from its Leviathan energy field over 15 years. The deal was Israel’s largest collaboration with Jordan to date, and will make Israel its chief supplier. Representatives of the gas companies involved, Delek Group Ltd. and Nobel Energy Inc., were in Jordan to sign the agreement.

Shalom hailed that deal as “a historic act that will strengthen the economic and diplomatic ties between Israel and Jordan.” Thursday’s report underlined that Israel hopes a natural gas partnership with Europe would also boost diplomatic relations with the EU, which are strained by major differences over policy on the Palestinians.Hmmm..... Only one problem 'Neo Ottoman conquerror' Islamist dictator Erdogan. He will use the Hatred towards Israel and the Al aqsa imaginary 'threat' to start war with Israel.Read the full story here.

Could 'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey go to war for Cypriot Gas?

Could 'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey go to war for Cypriot Gas? (HD).

The Greek academic with whom I had that interesting conversation last week in Istanbul was in a good position to know what is going on in both Nicosia and Athens. For many years his advice has been sought by political leaders on policies related to the two countries and consequently to Turkey.

It was interesting to hear from him that the Greek Cypriots are now fully confident that they have “got it right” by focusing their policy on their right of exploration of resources in their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), confident that their move, together with Greece’s toward Egypt, was well thought-out and over-confident that they could create a new geostrategic balance in the region. Naturally, both Nicosia and Athens consider the presence of the Barbaros inside the Cypriot EEZ enough of a “provocative” action to justify their stance.

My academic friend also assured me that the Greek Cypriot leader is “determined to go until the end,” in building up further his country’s relations with Israel and that this will be apparent during Nicos Anastasiades’ visit to Israel on Dec. 2, when he will have extensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (According to Greek sources, the original plan was that Netanyahu was going to meet Anastasiades in Nicosia, but he asked for the meeting to take place in Tel Aviv due to security reasons).

It looks like December might be a diplomatically hot month for Greece-Cyprus-Turkey relations.

The visit of Anastasiades to Israel will be followed almost immediately by the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu to Athens on Dec. 5-6. If Davutoğlu’s team indicates that they want to de-escalate tension, will there perhaps be new ideas leading to cooperation rather than the isolation of each party behind their own lines?

Needless to say, the only answer that the Greek academic really wanted to hear from me was “Could Erdoğan go to war for Cyprus?” This, he told me, is what is on everybody’s mind on the Greek side. To that, I could not give him a definite answer. Hmmm....He wants the Gas as much as he wants Iraqi oil.Read the full story here.

Athens furious at 'Neo Ottoman conquerors' Turkey's "blatant flouting of the international legal order"

Athens furious at 'Neo Ottoman conquerors' Turkey's "blatant flouting of the international legal order" (Famagusta).

The Greek Foreign Ministry has issues a strongly worded statement regarding Turkish activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus.

In the statement, Athens says that it will never accept the legitimization of the fait accompli in Cyprus, "to which we now see being added, in a provocative manner, the flagrant violation by the Turkish side of the International Law of the Sea in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus, which is a sovereign state and a member of the UN and the European Union,"

It adds: "The unilateral declaration of the illegal secessionist entity of the pseudo-state in the occupied section of the Republic of Cyprus and the insistence for 31 years now on the fabrication that is the `TRNC` is a blatant flouting of the international legal order and the resolutions of the United Nations.”

BRUSSELS CONDEMNATION

Last week the European Parliament adopted a resolution strongly condemning Turkey’s "illegal and provocative actions" in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkır said on Nov. 13 that Ankara will “not accept” the European Parliament’s decision on the resolution.

“It has no validity for us,” said EU Minister Volkan Bozkır, in reference to the draft resolution, during a meeting with Hungary’s minister of foreign affairs and trade in Ankara.

“Although Turkey is respectful of the European Parliament’s decision, this draft resolution is likely to end up like many other resolutions,” he added, implying that it will have little or no consequences. Hmmm....As long as Obama 'protects' the new ME dictator things will only get worse.

'Occupier' Turkish Dep PM urges Greek Cypriots to "turn back from the wrong way".

'Occupier' Turkish Dep PM urges Greek Cypriots to "turn back from the wrong way". (HD).

Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç urged Greek Cypriot authorities to "turn back from the wrong way" and return to the negotiation table, as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus celebrated its 31st anniversary on Nov. 15.

"It is naturally not possible to let Greek Cypriot side to act like it is the only owner of the island," Arınç said in a speech in Lefkoşa, reiterating the Turkish Cypriots' rights over natural resources in the east of the Mediterranean.

He also stated that the Greek Cypriots' main reason to suspend negotiations was hydrocarbon resources.

The Greek Cypriot administration suspended talks in October in retaliation for Turkey's warship mission to monitor oil-and-gas exploration activity off the Cyprus coast.

Turkey and the government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have strongly opposed any unilateral move by the Greek Cypriot administration to explore any hydrocarbon resources around the island, saying that its natural resources should be exploited in a fair manner under a united Cyprus. Hmmm.....You invade and occupy a country and then claim it's all yours??

Related: 

EU Parliament urges 'Bully' Turkey to stop maritime surveys for gas in Cyprus Exclusive Zone.

The 1974 Turkish Invasion and its Consequences

EU Parliament urges 'Bully' Turkey to stop maritime surveys for gas in Cyprus Exclusive Zone

EU Parliament urges 'Bully' Turkey to stop maritime surveys for gas in Cyprus Exclusive Zone. (EUParl).

European Parliament resolution on Turkish actions creating tensions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus (2014/2921(RSP))
The European Parliament, –   having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2014 on the 2013 progress report on Turkey(1), –   having regard to the General Affairs Council conclusions of 17 December 2013, –   having regard to the statement of 7 October 2014 by the spokesperson for the President of the European Council, –   having regard to the Turkey Progress Report 2014, of 8 October 2014, –   having regard to the European Council conclusions of 24 October 2014, –   having regard to Rule 123(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, A. whereas on 3 October 2014 Turkey issued a NAVTEX (Navigational Telex) directive, by which it ‘designated’ a large area within the southern part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus as being reserved for seismic surveys to be conducted by the Turkish vessel Barbaros from 20 October to 30 December 2014; whereas these seismic surveys affect blocks that have been allocated by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to the Italian company Eni and to the Korea Gas Corporation for the exploration of possible hydrocarbon reserves in the seabed soil; B.  whereas, despite repeated calls by the EU, including in the Commission’s Turkey Progress Report 2014, Turkey continues to contest the existence of the Republic of Cyprus and the legitimacy of exploration and exploitation by the Republic of Cyprus of natural resources within its EEZ, thereby challenging the activity of a European company; whereas Turkey’s claims and actions have no legal foundation and are in direct conflict with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); C. whereas the UNCLOS sets out a comprehensive legal framework establishing a regime of law and order, and rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources; whereas the EU has ratified the UNCLOS, which is now an integral part of its acquis communautaire; D. whereas the EU has frequently reiterated that Turkey needs to commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations; E.  whereas Turkey’s actions within the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus coincide with the recent appointment of the new Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General, Espen Barth Eide, and are negatively affecting the negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem; 1.  Urges Turkey to show restraint and act in accordance with international law; deplores the escalation of threats and unilateral action by Turkey against the Republic of Cyprus in relation to the EEZ; recalls the legality of the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus; calls on Turkey to respect and fully implement the declaration issued by the European Community and its Member States on 21 September 2005, including the provision that the recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the accession process; 2.  Stresses that the Republic of Cyprus has the full and sovereign right to explore the natural resources within its EEZ, and that the Turkish maritime surveys must be seen as both illegal and provocative; demands that Turkish vessels operating in waters in and around the EEZ of Cyprus be withdrawn immediately; 3.  Stresses that Turkey’s actions constitute a violation of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and of international law, including the UNCLOS; reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to sign and ratify the UNCLOS, which is part of the acquis communautaire, without further delay; 4.  Urges Turkey to revoke its NAVTEX immediately, and to refrain from any violations of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus; 5.  Calls on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of EU Member States over their territorial waters; reaffirms that the sovereign rights of the Member States include the right to enter into bilateral agreements and the right to explore and exploit their natural resources in accordance with the UNCLOS; 6.  Shares the UN’s view that any gas finds would benefit both communities in Cyprus if a lasting, political solution can be found to end the conflict; believes that, if properly managed, the discovery of significant hydrocarbon reserves in the region could improve economic, political and social relations between the two communities in Cyprus; 7.  Supports the rights of the Republic of Cyprus to lodge formal complaints against violations within its sovereign territory or waters to the UN and the International Maritime Organisation; 8.  Reiterates the importance it attaches to the normalisation of relations between Turkey and all EU Member States, and is of the view that the continuation and/or repetition of these actions could have a negative impact on Turkey’s relations with the EU, including its accession process; 9.  Underlines the importance of stopping provocative actions within the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus and of refraining from making threats against the Republic of Cyprus; notes that these actions and threats undermine the continuation of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem; calls for stability in this very sensitive region, in view of the challenges that lie ahead; 10. Requests that the European External Action Service and the Commission closely follow Turkey’s activities within the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus and report back to Parliament; 11. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice‑President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Turkey.

Update: 

Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkır said on Nov. 13 that Ankara will “not accept” the European Parliament’s decision on the resolution.

“It has no validity for us,” said EU Minister Volkan Bozkır, in reference to the draft resolution, during a meeting with Hungary’s minister of foreign affairs and trade in Ankara.

“Although Turkey is respectful of the European Parliament’s decision, this draft resolution is likely to end up like many other resolutions,” he added, implying that it will have little or no consequences.

'Neo Ottoman conqueror' - Turkish submarine heads to Cyprus, leaves NATO maneuvers group baffled

'Neo Ottoman conqueror' - Turkish submarine heads to Cyprus, leaves NATO maneuvers group baffled. (Famagusta).

A Turkish submarine abruptly left manoeuvres during a NATO exercise and sailed off the eastern coast of Cyprus near Cape Greco, reports local TV station Sigmalive.

The sub sailed near "blocks 3 and 13 of the Cyprus EEZ passed between Cypriot boats and foreign ships”, the channel reported.

The submarine was taking part in "Blue Whale", a NATO naval military exercise, which started Monday in the Mediterranean.

Submarines, frigates and naval air elements are participating in the exercise which includes submarine-warfare manoeuvres.

The channel cited unnamed NATO sources that were apparently ‘irked’ by the sudden unannounced Turkish action.

There has been no comment from the government in Nicosia.Hmmm.....Erdogan's BFF and 'Israel's staunchest Ally' Pres Obama is delivering State of the art Torpedoes to Turkey.

Related: Russian destroyer leaves Cyprus for Mediterranean drills