Ünal Üstel, the "prime minister" of the north, has said that the Turkish Cypriot side and Türkiye will continue their research and energy activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, arguing that they are exercising what he described as their "legitimate rights" and do not need permission from anyone.
In a written statement, Üstel responded to diplomatic démarches by the Republic of Cyprus and letters sent to the United Nations and the European Union concerning the activities of Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot administration in the region.
Referring to the complaint submitted to the UN regarding the activities of the vessel Mediterranean Research 1, and to the position that such operations cannot be conducted without the consent of the Republic of Cyprus, Üstel argued that the Greek Cypriot side's stance is detached from reality and makes it more difficult to maintain peace on the island.
Criticism of Kombos
Commenting on reactions by Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos to plans for a natural gas pipeline between Türkiye and northern Cyprus, Üstel claimed that the Republic of Cyprus, while entering into agreements with foreign countries, has no right to intervene in the decisions or projects of the Turkish Cypriot administration.
Üstel also said that the natural gas pipeline project would proceed at full speed and be completed for the benefit of Turkish Cypriots.
He compared the planned transfer of natural gas with the water-transfer project linking Türkiye to northern Cyprus, which he described as the "Project of the Century".
According to Üstel, the pipeline will become a symbol of the ties between the Turkish Cypriot community and Türkiye.
Two-state position reiterated
Üstel also repeated his support for the coexistence of what he described as two separate peoples and two separate states in Cyprus.
He argued that recognition of this reality is a prerequisite for lasting peace and stability on the island.
Source: CNA
