Michael Emerson

Cyprus has been hit hard by economic misfortunes recently, but now has a big opportunity to develop significant offshore gas resources. However, its chances of proceeding with this project are currently prejudiced by political tensions surrounding its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This is because Turkey is sharply contesting the right of Cyprus to go ahead, albeit for reasons maybe more connected to the stalled peace process for reunifying the island than matters of international maritime law. Turkey is now in an awkward diplomatic position, opposing a remarkable alignment of interests of the EU, US, Israel, Cyprus and Russia, all supporting Cyprus’s rights to its EEZ. Surely this relatively benign Cyprus gas question should be sorted out without delay, with Turkey signalling the possibility of some recalibration of its position.