Northern Cyprus officials reject Greek Cypriot complaints over energy projects

Officials from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have issued strong rebukes against the Greek Cypriot administration following its diplomatic complaints to the United Nations and the European Union. The disputes center on scientific research activities conducted by the vessel Akdeniz Araştırma 1 and the ongoing Turkey-TRNC natural gas pipeline project.

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stated that research and exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean are being conducted based on the legitimate rights of the TRNC and Turkey, without requiring permission from the Greek Cypriot administration. He emphasized that the TRNC will not compromise on its rights or status and urged the Greek Cypriot side to accept cooperation rather than pursuing unilateral diplomatic actions.

TRNC Economy and Energy Minister Hasan Taçoy also criticized the Greek Cypriot administration for reporting energy projects to the EU. Taçoy argued that these large-scale projects, developed in partnership with Turkey, are designed to benefit the entire island and the broader region. He called on the Greek Cypriot side to participate in these economic opportunities instead of attempting to block them through international complaints.