New facts on the Eastern Mediterranean energy chessboard emerge after Mevlut Cavusoglu's recent statement that the most economically advantageous option is a pipeline passing through Turkey and Cyprus. This clearly does not mean that the Turkish side is backing away from its known positions on the Cyprus problem, but it is still a first step in the evolution of things.
The Turkish Foreign Minister called on the Greek Cypriot side to cooperate in the energy sector regardless of a solution to the Cyprus problem. The problem is that at this stage he appears absolute that cooperation must be based on Ankara's interests and proposals. This does not mean that there can be no reversal through negotiation, given the position of the Greek Cypriot side that the rights of Turkish Cypriots to the natural wealth of the island are not disregarded. Hence Anastasiades' proposal to create a trust account, which the Turkish Cypriot side rejects without discussion.
In essence, the Turkish side has publicly admitted that it does not like the scenarios it tried to "pass" to Israel for a land corridor that would pass through Syria and Lebanon. This is why it is looking forward to discussing a very difficult, but not impossible, possibility.
This is evidenced by the fact that the President of the Republic responded positively to Cavusoglu's "nod" under two conditions. Turkey should recognise the Republic of Cyprus and negotiate with it the division of maritime zones in the area north of the island.[/B] Turkey should recognise the Republic of Cyprus and negotiate with it the division of maritime zones in the area north of the island.[/B] Turkey should recognise the Republic of Cyprus and negotiate with it the division of maritime zones in the area north of the island. In this case, Nicos Anastasiades is willing to discuss the sharing of natural wealth with Turkish Cypriots and the passage of a pipeline through Turkey.
If Ankara accepts the two conditions of the Greek Cypriot side, then the way opens for energy cooperation for the benefit of Cyprus, Turkey and the other countries of the region.
If Ankara accepts the two conditions of the Greek Cypriot side, then the way opens for energy cooperation for the benefit of Cyprus, Turkey and the other countries of the region. At the same time, momentum is created for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem with a just, viable and workable solution. As long as the claim for two separate states is forgotten.
No one is saying that if this dialogue is opened it will be easy or can get anywhere. But out of nowhere, such a move would raise hopes that indeed the dialogue can produce results in solving the problems of our long-suffering island.
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