Special to WorldTribune.com

ANKARA — Turkey has asked the Republic of Cyprus to end energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed objection to the deployment of an energy exploration ship in Cyprus’ economic zone in the Mediterranean.

The ministry said the Bahamas-registered ship, SAIPEM 10000, assigned to find natural gas reserves, did not ask permission from Turkey or the breakaway Northern Cyprus.

“Turkey follows with concern the Greek Cypriot Administration’s continuing unilateral research activities of hydrocarbon resources in its so-called Exclusive Economic Zone without taking into account the Turkish Cypriots’ detailed and concrete cooperation proposals for a fair sharing,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Oct. 4.

“Turkey expects the GCA to refrain from acting as if it is the sole owner of the resources of the island, to halt its unilateral research activities and to adopt an understanding with a view to establishing a new partnership.”

This marked the latest warning by Ankara to the Nicosia government regarding the Cypriot energy program. A U.S. company, Noble Energy, has overseen exploration by both Cyprus and Israel.

  Greek Cypriot administration, SAIPEM 10000, Turkey warns Cyprus against gas exploration in the Mediterranean, Turkish Foreign MInistry