Η εκμετάλλευση των υδρογονανθράκων της Κύπρου και οι διεκδικήσεις της Τουρκίας

Abstract

The wider area of the Eastern Mediterranean sea is a sub-region of Eurasia with great geopolitical importance throughout the ages. However, in the 21st century the discovered deposits of energy resources in the sea bed have upgraded the role of this geographical area. According to the data of a United States Geological Service (USGS) study, which took place in 2010, in the sea bed of the Levantine Basin there are significant deposits both of natural gas and oil. In view of the worldwide deficiency of energy resourses, the quest of energy supplies consists a major strategic issue. In this framework, it is obvious that the actions take into nation’s rules, in order to assure their energy resources, develop rivalries among them, demonstrated both the economical and political fields. This is the evidence that energy is one of the main factors of a country’s power. For this reason, the energy independence is in related with the notions of security and stability in the regional as well as in the global level. Cyprus is located in a place with great strategic importance, which has been upgraded because of the discovered deposits in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Cyprus has come, in accordance with the international law, to maritime delimitation agreement with Egypt, Lebanon and Israel. However, the estimated deposits of natural gas in the EEZ of Cyprus have attracted many international companies and state actors to explore and exploit the resources in the bed of this sea. Nonetheless, the discovered deposits in the EEZ of Cyprus are linked to the Cyprus question. Turkey has also been involved to this issue, especially since the 50’s, in order to upgrade its geopolitical role. Following its revisionist power agenda, Turkey claims that islands, like Cyprus, Malta and Kastellorizo haven’t full rights to the delimitation of maritime zones in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. For this reason, Turkish government shows assertions to these deposits. In summary, this dissertation examines political and international strategic aspects of the exploit of the energy resources in the maritime zones of Cyprus and particularly what is happening with the Turkish claims, which these are not in conformity with the relevant international legal framework and practice. The analysis includes the new geopolitical aspects of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, with the reference to Cyprus and Turkey. The main focal point is the persistence of Turkey to achieve its basic strategic goal, mainly the geopolitical control of the island of Cyprus. So, this dissertation analyses the Turkish approach to the Cyprus question. The outcome of this approach is estimated to be significantly supportive to the wider role of Turkey in the region, particularly due to its continuous efforts to link its energy policy aspirations to the realism of the “de facto” division of Cyprus territory. In the other side, Cyprus, being a small state, has managed to increase its political influence in the region, following a legitimate approach with regard to the assurance of its sovereignty rights in the surrounding maritime region. In conclusion, and taking into account the complicated factors of the Cyprus issue as well as the Turkish geopolitical aspirations, the Republic of Cyprus shall continue to follow the pattern already traced in its energy strategy by further enhancing the relevant alliances with the adjacent states.