Drilling for natural gas is commencing this week in Block 11 of the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone. This comes despite continuous Turkish provocations regarding the oil exploration operations but with the full support of US and France, who have stakes in the procedures.
Media reports claim Turkey is making its presence felt in and around the region with some naval ships, a tactic expected to continue while drilling is ongoing. However, the state of Cyprus, French oil giant Total and Italian ENI are determined to proceed with drilling works.
The West Capella is currently on Cypriot waters, going through a trial program and once ready, the vessel will start drilling in 700 meters water depth. The work is expected to last about two to three months and the first results are expected to be announced in later this year. Analysts expect that the drilling operation will be a success, as Block 11 is close to immense offshore gas discovery Zohr in Egypt.
Due to the offshore drilling activities, Cyprus has closed five miles around the Block 11 and two neighbouring blocks to sea traffic.
Ankara sees this as a direct confrontation, as it has always stated that all the resources of the whole island belong to both Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. In a reaction to the Turkish press, officials stated that all resources (gas) should be shared between these two communities.
