Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak says, “We cannot risk our cooperation with Turkey for South Cyprus”.
South Cyprus, in partnership with foreign energy companies plans to exploit hydrocarbon resources found off the south coast of Cyprus.
Mr Novak was very specific, saying that they were participating in joint ventures to explore for offshore gas fields around South Cyprus. However they would not put their current projects with Turkey at risk.
When asked for more details regarding this statement, Mr Novak said that he understood that were some difficult issues related to the South Cyprus gas explorations. When the time came they would move forward based on their friendly relations with Turkey.
Turkey has repeatedly issued warnings to any foreign companies who were involved in gas explorations off South Cyprus on the grounds of joint sovereignty with Turkish Cypriots and broaching Turkey’s continental shelf.
