Turkey has rejected a newly signed maritime demarcation agreement between Lebanon and Cyprus, saying the deal violates the rights of Turkish Cypriots and is therefore unacceptable.
Lebanon and Cyprus signed the long-awaited accord on 26 November to advance offshore gas exploration and deepen energy cooperation in the Mediterranean, according to Reuters.
Turkey, which recognises only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and not the Greek Cypriot government, has long accused Greek Cypriots of excluding and appropriating Turkish Cypriot maritime rights.
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The Turkish Defence Ministry said at its weekly briefing: “It is not possible for us to accept any agreement that disregards the rights of the TRNC.”
Reuters reported that the ministry added that the deal also undermines Lebanese interests and that Ankara was prepared to cooperate with Beirut on maritime issues.
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli said the agreement was another example of Greek Cypriots acting without regard for Turkish Cypriot rights, stressing that the Greek Cypriot administration is not the island’s sole representative and therefore lacks the authority to make decisions on behalf of all of Cyprus.
