Greek Cyprus FM seeks US support on gas

WASHINGTON / NICOSIA

Greek Cypriot FM Marcoullis (R) speaks during a press conference. AP photo

The Greek Cyprus foreign minister held meetings in the United States to raise support for Greek Cyprus’ natural gas research in the eastern Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s energy minister said partnering with Greek Cyprus on a natural gas project was only possible if it were part of the peace process and if the island’s Turkish part benefited from it, the Associated Press reported.

Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis met with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Dec. 20, asking the U.S. to increase pressure on Turkey and Turkish Cyprus on the issue of the Cyprus problem, Anatolia news agency reported.

Marcoullis said Clinton has given support to their stance and “understood the problems Greek Cyprus was going through in its peace talks with the Turkish side,” Greek radio reported.

Marcoullis and Clinton discussed issues including the Cyprus problem, ongoing peace talks between the Turkish and Greek sides of the island, natural gas research and cooperation with Israel and the U.S.
Turkey could consider partnering with Greek Cyprus on a natural gas project that included a share of benefits with the northern part of the island, Energy Minister Taner Yıldız said. This was supported by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan beforehand, he said.