Turkey has no say over Cyprus – Lebanon deal

Cyprus does not consider that Turkey has rights over the oil deposits which might possibly exist in the Cyprus coastal areas, especially in the southern coastal part.
Invited to comment Turkey’s objections to the signing of a maritime agreement between Lebanon and Cyprus that would cover potential underwater energy resources, Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos stressed here Friday the need that these agreements should be kept secret until they are signed.
Turkey alleged that Lebanon should ask for Turkey‘s opinion before signing any agreement with Cyprus, which has ”a Turkish part”, according to Ankara.
Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas signed on Wednesday in Beirut an agreement for the Delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone between the Republic of Cyprus and Lebanon.
“In all cases when we start negotiations, Turkey’s presence is strong and for this reason, sometimes it is useful for something to take place before it is made public”, the President added.
Asked if Turkey is reacting in an effort to create problems to Turkey or has an interest in the possible oil deposits in the area, President Papadopoulos replied that “Turkey claims that Cyprus’ natural resources belong to Cyprus, and according to the law of the sea, and to all other neighbouring countries, therefore it claims it has rights”.
“We do not think it has rights according to the legal advice which we have, especially as far as the northern part is concerned”, President Papadopoulos stressed.
To a question whether Cyprus should make a relevant agreement with Turkey since it is also a neighbouring country, the President replied “not of course”.