& nbsp & nbspKostas Venizelos & nbsp; & nbsp;
Scenarios for the exploitation of natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean, in the form of urgency, form new data, which may place the Cyprus problem in the equation. It is obvious that the need to fill energy gaps, to be independent of Russian gas, leads the key players to turn to our region. One issue that they will have to face, however, since the Americans, for example, want Turkey in the energy equation, is the Cyprus issue. & Nbsp;
Washington's position is that the exploitation can be done with the involvement of Ankara in order not to react (!) And this directs the attention -but also the pressures- to Nicosia. In order not to project obstacles. How will this be done? Not necessarily with a solution to the Cyprus problem, but with the start of an effort. Possibly with the implementation of Confidence Building Measures or with a strategic agreement. It is clear that the solution is not a precondition as the time is pressing to find ways to utilize the gas. According to informed sources, there may be an “agreement on the solution”. This is an approach that theoretically paves the way for a comprehensive agreement, but this does not mean that there will be an end. & Nbsp;
READ ALSO: & nbsp; The USA take Turkey out of the picture of the Cyprus problem
As we are informed in this regard, in interventions of Britain and the United Nations, the idea for “enrichment” of the Confidence Building Measures, proposed by the Cypriot government, was presented, with the inclusion of hydrocarbons in the package. This idea, which was presented in general, refers to the proposal submitted by the Turkish side, through the occupation regime, for joint exploitation of natural wealth before reaching an agreement on the Cyprus issue. & Nbsp;
It is noted in this regard that the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoλουlu, a few days ago referred to the position that Israel's natural gas must pass through Cyprus to reach Turkey. The Turkish Foreign Minister said that the European Union “must convince the Greek Cypriot side because it is the EU. that gas needs “. According to the Turkish minister, “the Greek Cypriot side said it would come up with new ideas.” What does he mean by his report on new ideas of Nicosia? Is there any consultation, possibly not directly, for the presentation of ideas by the Cypriot government?
However, regarding the position that natural gas should pass through Cyprus, Mevlüt Çavuşoλουlu seems to mean an old scenario, of Turkish inspiration and -backstage- promotion. According to this scenario, the most economical route is the transport of gas by submarine pipelines, which will continue overland in the territory of Cyprus, will proceed by submarine and will reach Turkey and from there to Europe. A scenario that seems unreal today, but was elaborated by the Turkish side. & nbsp; Based on the plan, this is the most economical solution. In fact, Turkey has a precedent in terms of technical issues. That of the plan to transport water from Turkey to the occupied areas by submarine pipeline. & Nbsp;
In order for this to happen, there must be a consensus of the Republic of Cyprus. There should be an agreement on the Cyprus issue. Tsavousoglou, however, said that “because it is not clear when the Cyprus issue will be resolved”, the issue with gas must proceed. How; No overall agreement, but with arrangements. And a consultation can be made through the MOE and a discussion of the issue within the technical committee. This, however, means that what the occupying power seeks for “sovereign equality” will be achieved before the solution. The possibility of a pipeline passing through Cyprus also bypasses the need for demarcation of zones between Cyprus and Turkey, which Ankara does not want for well-known reasons. & Nbsp;
Apart from this scenario, there are others. There is, for example, a scenario for Israel to export gas through Egypt to the European Union. It is recalled that the Israeli Minister of Energy Karin Elharar has announced in advance that from September Israel will be able to export to Europe a significant amount of natural gas from the Karish field (managed by ENERGEAN) which will be in production at the end of summer. Ms. Elharar stated that the main option is to export natural gas through the two LNG stations that Egypt has. Such a scenario is clear and leaves Cyprus out. the exploitation of the natural gas fields of the Eastern Mediterranean.
It is clear that the Americans want the involvement of Turkey as well. They know the difficulties and it seems that they want to overcome them. After all, Ms. Nuland had recently said in Turkey that she wanted to help the country obtain gas resources. The American official, who during her visit to Athens and Nicosia provoked reactions with what she said, came back with an attempt at grooming (statements to ERT), but having a clear plan for the next steps.
At the same time, according to informed sources, the well-known Turkish idea of holding a Conference of the Eastern Mediterranean countries on hydrocarbon issues is coming to the fore. This is a proposal, which was conveyed to the European Union by Erdogan himself and was considered positive by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. The proposal was transferred from the Turkish side to the other states in the region. According to the Turkish idea, the Turkish Cypriot side (the pseudo-state means) should also be invited to the Conference.
TURKEY DECIDED FOR HYDROCARBONS
Occupying Turkey raises the issue of hydrocarbons and this was evident from the beginning. He decided to get involved and tried to “tumbling” the energy program of Cyprus. He decided to get involved and equipped himself properly. He first rented and then bought research vessels and drilling rigs. It uses the Turkish Cypriots to facilitate planning, while in the Cyprus issue it does not change its attitude. While the issue of gas could act as a “catalyst” for an agreement on the Cyprus issue, however, it seems that the occupying power has a different approach. The well-known and timeless, according to which she wants everything.
“To help & nbsp; the Turkish Cypriots to look at the ICC again”
The logic of the United Nations, which follows the British recipes, is that the Turkish Cypriots should be helped financially. Foreign Office envoy Azai Siarma initially said this and repeated it in his contacts with the UN Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart. The UN official reportedly told his Greek Cypriot interlocutors that the Turkish Cypriots should be helped financially, with steps to lift the (so-called) isolation. The issue of Tympos and the port, but also of hydrocarbons is proposed. This, according to Stewart, will help the Turkish Cypriots to reconsider the issue of the Dual Zone Bicommunal Confederation. & Nbsp; who made contacts in Cyprus last week, will soon visit the three so-called guarantor powers, Greece, Turkey and Britain. According to information, the official of the International Organization has informed Nicosia of his intention, without mentioning a specific date. It is expected that this will be done soon, possibly before the discussions in the Security Council for the renewal of the term of UNFICYP. & Nbsp;
