GREEK REPORTER
Turkey Condemns Cyprus – Lebanon EEZ Deal as Regional Energy Landscape Shifts
Turkey issued a strong objection on Thursday to the newly signed maritime boundary agreement between Cyprus and Lebanon, describing it as a unilateral act that disregards the rights of Turkish Cypriots.
Ankara argued that the internationally recognized government of Cyprus does not have the authority to conclude agreements that “affect the entire island,” insisting that Turkish Cypriots must be treated as co-equal stakeholders in decisions involving the island’s maritime zones.
Despite acknowledging that the area outlined in the Cyprus–Lebanon deal lies outside Turkey’s claimed continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs framed its objection through the broader political dispute over Cyprus.
Turkey urged regional governments not to endorse what it characterized as attempts to undermine the “legitimate rights and interests” of Turkish Cypriots, emphasizing that it will continue to defend its position in the region.
A long-delayed agreement finally moves forward
The Cyprus–Lebanon Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement, signed on Wednesday, marks the culmination of nearly two decades of stalled negotiations. Although initially drafted in 2007, the pact never advanced due to political pressure exerted by Turkey on successive Lebanese administrations, effectively freezing progress for years.
Its ratification now reopens the possibility of offshore energy exploration in the boundary area, a development that could result in major economic implications for both countries.
A new energy partnership between Cyprus and Lebanon
Alongside the EEZ deal, Cyprus and Lebanon signed a second key agreement establishing a framework for future electricity interconnection. Lebanon, grappling with chronic power shortages and an unstable national grid, views this partnership as an essential step toward building a more resilient energy system.
Cyprus has expressed readiness to support Beirut’s technical and development needs while exploring broader avenues of energy cooperation. The two sides also formalized several additional agreements, deepening bilateral ties and setting the stage for expanded regional engagement.
Potential ripple effects across East Mediterranean
With the EEZ boundary now defined, Cyprus and Lebanon plan to move ahead with parallel discussions on maritime delimitation with Syria. A coordinated triangular arrangement could significantly alter the strategic landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The new Cyprus–Lebanon deal also delivers a clear setback to Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine—Ankara’s long-term strategic vision asserting extensive maritime claims across the region. For nearly two decades, Turkish influence in Beirut had prevented Lebanon from moving forward. Breaking this deadlock represents a major shift.
Security cooperation and EU engagement
The agreements include provisions to boost Lebanon’s armed forces, enabling the country to safeguard its maritime and energy interests more effectively. Support is expected from both Cyprus and the European Union. Additional EU-backed initiatives for Lebanon will be announced under the upcoming Mediterranean Partnership framework during Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.
A high-level summit bringing together EU leaders and regional heads of state is scheduled for late April in Cyprus, further signaling Europe’s intent to strengthen energy and security cooperation in the area.
Possible joint resource development between Cyprus and Lebanon
Officials from Cyprus and Lebanon plan to begin discussions on potential joint exploitation of any hydrocarbon deposits that straddle their newly defined maritime boundary.
If such resources are confirmed, the two nations could embark on one of the most significant energy collaborations in the Eastern Mediterranean, reshaping regional alliances, economic opportunities, and the balance of power in contested waters.
No comments:
Post a Comment