Turkey seeks US action on Cyprus intention to drill for oil in the eastern Mediterranean

Turkey has contacted the US administration on Greek Cypriot plans to begin drilling for gas in the eastern Mediterranean.

Greek Cyprus recently announced that it would begin drilling for oil and gas off the island’s southern coast on Oct. 1.

Turkey objects to Greek Cypriot hydrocarbon drilling in the eastern Mediterranean, saying this is in violation of the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots, who run their own state in the north of the island. Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu warned the Greek Cypriot government against drilling hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, saying Ankara will show the “appropriate reaction” if Greek Cyprus moves ahead with exploration plans.

Ankara now seeks US action in the dispute as well. It said Ankara wants the US administration to warn the American companies against taking part in the Greek Cypriot initiative to explore gas and oil deposits in the Mediterranean. Turkey also seeks to bring the issue to the attention of the UN Security Council.