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Fishing for Gas and More in Cypriot Waters

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.

Fishing for Gas and More in Cypriot Waters
 

The economy of Cyprus has been hit by two very serious and successive blows. First, the accidental explosion of a military ammunition depot in July 2011, which knocked out the island’s nearby main electricity generating power station. Second, the Greek part of the Eurozone crisis, which has ominous implications for Greek Cypriot banks. Cyprus has now requested a Eurozone bailout, becoming a further victim of the seemingly uncontrollable financial contagion from Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. It has even requested a fresh loan from Russia.

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