Sourced New Europe
As the West Capella drilling vessel, contracted by France’s Total in association with Italy’s ENI, is about to start drilling at Block 11 off Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) only a few days after UN-sponsored reunification talks collapsed in Crans-Montana, there are concerns that Turkey may cause tensions in the area.
“Cyprus does not have the means and cannot react physically to any belligerent actions by Turkey,” Cyprus Natural Hydrocarbons Company CEO Charles Ellinas told New Europe on July 11, adding that Nicosia can only complain to the United Nations and the European Union and request intervention by the international community. “But I do not believe any actions by Turkey will stop drilling unless such actions affect the safety of staff involved in drilling activities. This is Total’s position,” Ellinas said.
Read more at : https://www.neweurope.eu/article/eyes-turkey-total-eni-vessel-readied-drill-offshore-cyprus/