Israel Matzav

Turkey urges US to 'act responsibly' regarding Cyprus

George W. Bush would have had a two-word response to this type of demand by a third-rate power. But in the Age of Obama, the United States will likely allow itself to be humiliated.

Turkey is demanding that the United States 'act responsibly' and not allow Noble Energy, an American corporation, to begin oil exploration off the coast of Cyprus by October 1. Part of Cyprus has been occupied by Turkey since 1974, an occupation that is recognized by... Turkey (Hat Tip: Joshua I).

Greek Cyprus recently announced that it would begin drilling for oil and gas off the island's southern coast on Oct. 1. It earlier licensed American Noble Energy to explore an 800,000-acre area bordering Israeli waters where massive gas fields were found under the seabed.

Turkey objects to Greek Cypriot hydrocarbon drilling in the eastern Mediterranean, saying this is in violation of the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots, who run their own state in the north of the island. Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu warned the Greek Cypriot government against drilling hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, saying Ankara will show the “appropriate reaction” if Greek Cyprus moves ahead with exploration plans.

Ankara now seeks US action in the dispute as well, according to private NTV television station. It said Ankara wants the US administration to warn the American companies against taking part in the Greek Cypriot initiative to explore gas and oil deposits in the Mediterranean. NTV also said Turkey seeks to bring the issue to the attention of the UN Security Council, contacting members of the 15-nation body on the dispute.

As I said, George W. Bush would have had a two-word response to such a demand. But Obama? He's going to await a UN decision.

What makes this dicier is that both the US and Turkey are members of NATO, a mutual defense organization. What if Turkey attacks Noble Energy's employees? What if the US attacks Turkey in response? (I know - little chance of that under Obama). Whose side does NATO take?

What could go wrong?

Labels: Cyprus, Noble Energy, oil and gas exploration, Turkey, Turkish occupation of Cyprus

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:52 PM