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'

'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey resumes seismic survey inside Cypriot EEZ

'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey resumes seismic survey inside Cypriot EEZ. (CyprusMail).

Turkey issued a new navigational warning on Tuesday for seismic surveys inside Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.

A similar action in October prompted President Nicos Anastasiades to pull out of reunification talks.

In the warning, or NAVTEX, posted on Turkey’s Office of Navigation, Hydrography, and Oceanography, Ankara said it will conduct seismic surveys inside the island’s EEZ between January 6 and April 6.

The surveys will be carried out by Barbaros, which had been berthed in Famagusta.

On Monday, Anastasiades said it was impossible for him to participate in reunification talks as long as Turkey violated the Republic’s sovereignty.

The President reiterated that the management of the country’s natural resources rests with the internationally recognized government in Cyprus, acting on behalf of all the island’s legal citizens.

“Consequently, actions that question the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, on the pretext of protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, are not only incommensurate with international law, but are also groundless.”

Although the Turkish operations are taking place within international waters, any activity by foreign nations beneath the water surface (such as surveys, depth soundings and data gathering) inside Cyprus’ EEZ is prohibited. Hmmm........'Bully' Turkey in it's natural state

Related:  

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. 

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.

Cyprus talks future looks grim as Anastasiades points finger of blame at 'bully' Turkey.

Cyprus talks future looks grim as Anastasiades points finger of blame at 'bully' Turkey. (Famagusta).

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.

Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot administration have said they have no intention of halting exploration of the eastern Mediterranean.

Anastasiades also conceded that since his election, not everything in government had run smoothly.

The president responsibility for most of the mistakes in the first 22 months, however did not specify what they were.

Prior to making the remarks, Anastasiades met with House President Yiannakis Omirou.

Omirou briefed the President over developments in his absence, who in turn thanked the House President for "acting impeccably” in accordance to his institutional duties.

"The right impression was conveyed abroad, that the state has its institutions which function, that there is continuity in the institutions” President Anastasiades noted.

"It's Mine...All Mine" - We will not abandon Turkish Cypriot right to gas - Erdogan.

"It's Mine...All Mine" - We will not abandon Turkish Cypriot right to gas - Erdogan. (Taz).

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged on Dec.10 to protect Turkish Cypriots’ right to natural gas until a fair distribution of resources is agreed with the Greek Cypriot administration, Anadolu Agency reported.

He added that he will not stop Turkey's drilling activities near the island.

"Turkey will never stay out of recent developments in Cyprus," he said at an address during the 60th year reception of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation.

"Our research vessel is now continuing its drilling activities. We will continue to be there as long as the Greek Cypriot administration and Greece continue to ignore our warnings on the issue," he added.

Peace negotiations between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot administration resumed after a two-year pause in February 2013.

However, they were suspended by the Greek Cypriot side on Oct. 7 when Turkey sent the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa research vessel, and military ships to accompany the Greek Cypriot mission, to show Turkey's stance on the one-sided research.

Emphasizing the role of Turkey's diplomatic efforts in the recent reconciliation between the Iraqi central government and northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous administration on oil revenues, Erdogan said: "We have just the same understanding for the Cyprus Island. I hope the success of our energy diplomacy in Iraq will be repeated in Cyprus."

Erdogan also said Russia might drop the South Stream gas pipeline project in favor of a plan to build a pipeline through Turkey to supply gas to Europe.

Referring to discussions with his Russian counterpart on Dec. 1, Erdogan said: "We arrived to a preliminary, non-legally binding agreement, and according to that the South Stream project will be shelved. Putin himself said we can change its name to Turkish Stream."  Hmmm.....The 'Erdogan BS Stream' sounds great.


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. 

Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey will carry out explorations for natural resources at the same area with the Republic of Cyprus

'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey will carry out explorations for natural resources at the same area with the Republic of Cyprus. (Famagusta).

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris reports that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that everybody will benefit, if everyone agrees that the natural resources which are in the area surrounding Cyprus belong to “the whole of Cyprus” and use this energy for peace having a common vision and action plan.

Addressing the Atlantic Council Energy and Economic Summit in Istanbul at the presence of the US Vice President, Davutoglu argued that if the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots use their will in the direction of uniting, integrating the island the soonest through negotiations, Cyprus will also become a rising country in the field of energy like Iraq and Turkey will be happier than anyone else for this.

“Therefore, they should return the soonest to the negotiating table for a solution, peace as soon as possible. Peace has a heavy cost when it delays even for a minute”, he said.

Addressing to the Republic of Cyprus, Davutoglu alleged: “If they monopolize the natural resources by unilaterally inviting tenders as if this resource belongs only to them and want to unilaterally offer to the world markets these resources on which the Turkish Cypriots have also rights, then we will also carry out explorations at the same place and we will use the same right based on agreements…”

Reiterating a Turkish proposal submitted two years ago, Davutoglu argued that if the Cyprus negotiations last for long, a joint committee could be established between the “TRNC” and the “Greek Cypriot administration”, as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the island and the Republic of Cyprus respectively. He claimed that the natural gas could be extracted through this committee and be used for peace.

Davtoglu alleged that Turkey is the place which the Cypriot gas could reach and be used more easily than in any other place.

He claimed that Turkey is also the place through which this gas could reach the international markets in the easiest manner. Davutoglu alleged that trying to use energy as a weapon to impose the solution you wish on the other side will deal the biggest blow to the negotiations.  Read the full story here.

Update & Related: Egypt wants as much gas as Cyprus can provide.

Egypt can receive as much quantities of natural gas as Cyprus can export, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Egypt Sherif Ismail said after a meeting here today between delegations of the Republic of Cyprus and the Arab Republic of Egypt which discussed the prospects of closer cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector.

In joint statements with Energy Minister of Cyprus Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, Ismail noted that the possibility of re-exporting Cypriot natural gas from Egypt “is an option that we are considering,” adding that “we discussed the details of how we are going to move forward with exporting natural gas from Aphrodite (block 12 of Cyprus` EEZ) to Egypt."  Hmmm.....Cyprus will become the trigger for the Full Middle East War.

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. 

'Neo Ottoman conqueror' Turkish PM Davutoglu to Cyprus: "you can’t do what you want with the gas"

'Neo Ottoman conqueror' Turkish PM Davutoglu to Cyprus: "you can’t do what you want with the gas".(CyprusMail).

TURKISH Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said yesterday that hydrocarbons could not be used as a weapon by anyone, adding that if Greek Cypriots unilaterally continued to claim Cyprus’ natural resources for themselves, Turkey would reciprocate on behalf of the Turkish Cypriots.

Addressing the Atlantic Council summit in Istanbul, the Turkish Premier said there must be a settlement immediately, arguing that if negotiations stall the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots should form a joint committee to manage Cyprus’ natural gas reserves.

“In Cyprus, if everyone agrees that natural resources around the island belong to the entire island and use these resources in a shared vision towards peace, everyone stands to gain,” he said.

“If [the Greek Cypriots] are seeking to offer these resources, to which Turkish Cypriots also have a right, to international markets unilaterally, then by the same right we will conduct research in the same area along with the Turkish Cypriots,” he added.

Davutoglu said that if the two sides sit together and negotiate with a will to reunite the island as soon as possible, Cyprus would become a country on the rise.

“In such a case, the happiest of countries will be Turkey,” he said.

He called for the immediate return to the negotiations, which were interrupted last month when President Nicos Anastasiades withdrew in protest when the Turkish seismic vessel’s Barbaros began conducting exploratory research in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“The Greek Cypriots can’t claim that the Eastern Mediterranean is an area closed to Turks and Turkish Cypriots and conduct research wherever they want,” he asserted.

This doesn’t happen in politics, nor in matters of international energy reserves, he added.

He argued that Turkey is the easiest destination for the natural gas to be unearthed from the areas around Cyprus.

“Turkey is also the international market easiest to open,” he said.

“Therefore, no one should use energy as a weapon. If [the Greek Cypriots] were to say that they will impose the peace they want on the other side through control of the gas, then that will be the greatest blow to the Cyprus problem negotiations. Let us use energy as a tool for peace.”

Remarking on the transport of water from Turkey to Cyprus, Davutoglu said that Turkey’s plan was to share it with Greek Cypriots.

“But while we were thinking of sharing our water with the whole island, one side can’t claim the natural resources, which belong to the whole island, for itself,” he said.

He added that in the coming days he would be visiting Athens “to share these prospects with the Greek government.”

In his speech, US Vice President Joe Biden said Eastern Mediterranean countries should cooperate, and energy offers a tool for promoting regional stability, security and prosperity, citing the example of Baltic countries to illustrate the potential gains for the region.

According to Eric Gehman, Assistant Director for Publications and Communications at the Atlantic Council , Biden stressed the need for Europe to prioritise energy security with the help of their allies and friends. “[Russian President Vladimir] Putin uses energy as a weapon,” he said, to undermine the security of neighbouring countries.

Only by diversifying supplies and improving transport networks across the country could Europe curb Russia’s abuses, said Biden. “Now, now, now is the time to act… What’s happening in Ukraine only serves to underscore this.”

Biden pointed to the eastern Mediterranean as a critical strategic resource for bolstering Europe’s energy security. The development of the Southern Corridor and new projects in Turkey and Cyprus could make the region into a key hub for European energy markets that Biden called a “major asset.”

Biden credited the Baltics for the work they have already done to reduce their dependence on Russian oil, praising a new Lithuanian gas interconnector aptly named “The Independence.” He called the Baltics’ efforts a model for the rest of Europe.

Biden concluded his remarks by pressing the European Commission to act quickly to identify and support key infrastructure projects that will accelerate European energy independence. “Energy can and should serve as a tool for cooperation, for stability, for security, and prosperity,” he said.

The Cyprus problem was also on the agenda of a meeting Biden had on Friday with Davutoglu. “Vice President Joe Biden met with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to discuss the fight against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, the Cyprus settlement talks, and energy security,” the US State Department said in a statement. Biden was expected to meet Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan later yesterday within whom he would also discuss Cyprus. Hmmmm....... “[Russian President Vladimir] Putin uses energy as a weapon,”........Now we will allow 'Bully' Turkey to do the same.

#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. 

'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

Oil and gas reserves around Cyprus attract 'Neo Ottoman' conqueror Turkey.

Oil and gas reserves around Cyprus attract 'Neo Ottoman' conqueror Turkey. (Guardian).

It had been hoped that discovering the reserves would galvanise the two sides to conciliate – but this has not happened.

Tensions have risen in the eastern Mediterranean with an escalating war of words between Athens, Ankara and Nicosia over oil and gas reserves in the region.

Wrangling over hydrocarbons to be found in the area’s waters, has intensified after the leaders of Greece, Cyprus and Egypt signed an agreement in Cairo on Saturday to boost energy cooperation.

Within minutes of the accord being announced Cyprus’s president, Nicos Anastasiades, accused Turkey of “provocative actions” for sending a surveillance vessel and war ships to search for natural resources in the island’s exclusive economic zone.

“Turkey’s provocative actions do not just compromise the peace talks,” he said, referring to UN-brokered reunification negotiations suspended by his government last month. “[They] also affect security in the eastern Mediterranean region.”

On Sunday the head of the Turkish navy, Admiral Bülent Bostanoğlu, revealed he had been handed new rules of engagement in the event of “a situation” involving hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean. “We will move according to the rules of engagement that have been given us,” he said when asked how Turkey’s navy would react if it encountered a Greek or Israeli ship in the region.

On Monday, a senior Greek military official was quoted in the daily paper To Vima as saying: “We have rules of engagement, too, that have been approved by the prime minister and the cabinet, not only just in the Aegean but the south-east Mediterranean for the defence of our national interests.”

Visiting Nicosia last week the Israeli foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, lambasted Turkey for intruding on Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone – criticism echoed by the Greek prime minister, Antonis Samaras, when he too held talks in the capital on Friday.

Ankara, which sees itself as the region’s burgeoning economic powerhouse, has signalled that it will respond in kind. Before a visit to the Turkish capital by the US vice-president later this month, it has conveyed its displeasure at the signing of the Cairo accord.

“Tension is definitely on the rise,” said Hubert Faussmann, associate professor of history and political science at the University of Nicosia. “The peace talks have become a victim of the hydrocarbons which are inseparably linked to the Cyprus problem. They have escalated rather than de-escalated the situation,” he told the Guardian from Nicosia. Hmmm....It's high time the World realizes that Islamist Turkey, is being run by a dictator that will make look Saddam and Assad as 'nice' guys, once he totally unleashes his ambitions.Read the full story here.

'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey’s naval forces get a new set of rules of engagement for Cyprus and Israel.

'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' Turkey’s naval forces get a new set of rules of engagement for Cyprus and Israel. (HD).

The Turkish Navy has been authorized by the government for the full implementation of recently amended rules of engagement in the eastern Mediterranean in the face of growing tension between littoral countries, including Turkey, Greek Cyprus, Egypt and Israel over oil and natural gas drilling projects.

“The Prime Ministry handed over the rules of engagement to the Chief of General Staff and the Chief of Staff handed them over to the Naval Forces Command. We will act in line with these rules of engagement in the event we face a situation over this issue,” Adm. Bülent Bostanoğlu, the naval forces commander, told reporters Nov. 9 in Muğla as he participated in the Blue Whale-2014 naval exercise.

“Our naval forces elements will continue their mission of situational awareness in the region.” Bostanoğlu’s statement came after a question on which rules of engagement the Turkish Navy would follow if Turkish vessels confront Greek or Israeli warships in the eastern Mediterranean.

Tension between Turkey and the Greek Cyprus-Greece duo has increased recently after the Greek Cypriot government issued licenses for oil and natural gas exploration in its claimed economic exclusive zones in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey strongly criticized the move, saying it was a clear breach of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots’ rights and sent a seismic exploration vessel to the region for its own drilling purposes and one warship for the surveillance of foreign platform vessels being used for oil exploration.

Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades on Nov. 8 accused Turkey of “provocative actions” that he said Ankara was hindering the island’s peace talks and compromising security in the eastern Mediterranean.

“Turkey’s provocative actions do not just compromise the peace talks, but also affect security in the eastern Mediterranean region,” Anastasiades said at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.

“For the [Cyprus peace] negotiations to succeed, Turkey needs to show a positive intention and adopt a constructive stance through positive and effective steps in this direction,” he said.

 Hmmmm......I've always said the Cypriot gas will lead to conflict with 'Bully' Turkey, Those Two Frigates Obama wanted to 'Donate' to his BFF Erdogan, they would have come very handy to patrol around Cyprus, good thing the U.S. Congress refused. He did sell top of the line Missiles to the 'Muslim Brotherhood' run Egypt, but now they re opposed to Bully Turkey.

Read the full story here.

Related: Egypt and Turkey making a power play to screw Israel in the Mediterranean?


Update: 

Turkish Naval Forces has full authority to attack in Mediterranean Sea

Leaders of Egypt, Greece and Cyprus: "Division is unacceptable Cyprus, is one country with one identity."

Leaders of Egypt, Greece and Cyprus: "Division is unacceptable Cyprus, is one country with one identity." (AlAhram).

Leaders of Egypt, Greece and Cyprus held a press conference in Cairo on Saturday where they discussed strengthening economic ties, the European Union's support to Egypt, Turkey-Cyprus relations and Palestine.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades spoke on the sidelines of a tripartite summit to strengthen relations between the three countries.

The Greek premier said Greece and Cyprus, both EU members, will push for the EU to support Egypt morally and financially in its efforts.

He praised Egypt's efforts in its fight against terrorism as well as what he described as "Egypt's efforts to protect Christians who are in danger of being excluded from their countries."

Before the press conference, El-Sisi met with Samaras and Anastasiades in two separate meetings where they discussed efforts to combat terrorism as well as strengthening economic ties between Cairo and the two southern European countries.

Egypt and Cyprus have enjoyed a strong relationship for decades, dating back to a friendship between late presidents Gamal Abdel-Nasser and Makarios III.

Last year, Greece was among the first members of the EU to recognise Egypt's post-30 June government after the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

Egypt's El-Sisi said the three leaders asserted their determination to combat terrorism by intensifying cooperation in all areas, including security, for the purpose of eliminating the "terrorist group" and uncovering its financial backers.

Regarding the Turkey-Cyprus conflict, the Cypriot president said the issue had been discussed and that the three leaders agreed that division is unacceptable, as Cyprus is one country with one identity.

Cyprus' president said that both sides, especially Turkey, must show goodwill and focus their efforts on mediation in order for the ongoing negotiations between Turkey and Cyprus to work.

He described Turkey's recent measures as "provoking," adding that the three leaders have denounced such actions.

Turkey recently began charting gas deposits in parts of the eastern Mediterranean claimed by Cyprus – which Greek's premiere Samaras called "completely unacceptable."

El-Sisi did not comment on the Turkey-Cyprus dispute.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots have held peace talks to solve territorial disputes on the island, which was partitioned by a 1974 Turkish invasion that followed a brief coup engineered by the military junta ruling Greece at the time.

Meanwhile, the Cypriot president said the three leaders agreed that a solution has to be reached for the establishment of an independent, habitable Palestinian state, side by side with Israel.

The Cypriot president is scheduled to visit Israel in early December. Hmmmm....I've always said Cyprus will be where Erdogan will show his 'Neo Ottoman Conqueror' face .