Breakdown: Turkish-Israeli battle over Cyprus pipeline

February 13, 2012

The government of the Republic of Cyprus plans to protest any exploratory drilling for oil and gas in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the politically divided island.

“We are investigating the issue, and have already brought it to the attention of the UN representation in Cyprus,” said Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Markouli.

Supported by Turkey’s government, Turkish Cypriots are due to carry out drilling in the Famagusta region in eastern Cyprus, Markouli told local media.

“If our intelligence is verified, then we’re dealing with a very serious issue—ancient Enkomi is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus,” Markouli said, referring to an area of Famagusta.