Israeli Energy Ministry Director General’s statement cannot but raise questions
Statement by Stefanos Stefanou, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 5th May 2017, Nicosia
The interview given by the Director General at the Israeli Ministry of National Infrastructures, Energy and Water Resources Shaul Meridor to the “Anadolu” Turkish news agency cannot but raise questions for us.
In particular, the position expressed by the high-ranking Israeli official that Israel is in favour of the Turkish explorations, which as it is known are to be conducted within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus, contradicts both conventional and customary Law of the Sea.
Furthermore, Mr. Meridor expresses the certainty that they will find a way to pass the pipeline from the east of Cyprus, even with the Cyprus problem unresolved. Of course, we hope such a development is not the case, but according to the United Nations Treaty on the Law of the Sea they do not need our approval to pass a pipeline from the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus.
Unquestionably, Cyprus must seek good relations and co-operation with Israel, but without having any illusions and empty haughty declarations. Our foreign policy must be multidimensional.
Israel’s stand is further proof of the complications and dangers that are created by the continuing pending solution of the Cyprus problem, given that it is clear that the pipeline between Israel and Turkey will proceed regardless of the course of our political problem. Our goal must be to use natural gas as a leverage to exert pressure for a solution of our political problem before we find ourselves confronting faits accomplis in this vital sector too.
