Posted on 02/14/2007 9:35:14 AM PST by longtermmemmory
US: Cyprus oil controversy points to need for settlement 2007-02-06 11:56:47 Nicosia, Feb 6 (CNA) – The US State Department has reaffirmed its view that the oil controversy in connection with Cyprus points to the need for a settlement of the island’s long standing political problem.
In a statement issued after the daily briefing outlining the US position regarding oil exploration in the continental shelf off Cyprus, State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said that the US policy has not changed, noting that “a final settlement will enable all Cypriots to benefit from the island's resources”.
“Any dispute here is between the Republic of Cyprus, those countries that have signed agreements with Cyprus and Turkey. The United States is not a party to these agreements. The State Department has no recommendations as to whether American companies should participate in the bidding process”, the statement notes.
The controversy, however, points to the need for all parties
to focus on re-starting the UN's good offices mission to forge a comprehensive Cyprus settlement that reunifies the island into a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. The next step should be to implement the agreement brokered by Under Secretary General Gambari July 8, 2006'', the State Department statement concludes.
Turkey has reacted with threats to agreements signed by Cyprus with neighboring countries regarding the exploration and exploitation of possible oil reserves or natural gas in the sea area off the island.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
The fact is that the Turkish nation has always resented the legal defenitions sovereignty since it essentially shuts them out of oil exploitation in the Mediteranian.
Thought you might be amused, feel free to pass it on.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.