Cyprus accuses Turkey of blocking ship again in gas exploration standoff
 

ATHENS: Cyprus accused Turkey of threatening to use force against a drillship chartered by Italy?s Eni, in a standoff over hydrocarbons rights in the eastern Mediterranean.
There was no immediate reaction from Turkey, which has vowed to prevent Greek Cypriots from exploring for oil or gas around the ethnically-split island and says some areas of Cyprus?s offshore maritime zone fall under its jurisdiction. On Feb. 9, the Turkish navy on manoeuvres in the Mediterranean stopped the Saipem 12000 vessel on its way to drill for gas in the waters off Cyprus, triggering a diplomatic standoff which has underscored tensions in the region over competing claims for offshore resources. Deputy government spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos said the ship was heading to the same area, when five Turkish vessels interrupted its course.?The drillship was halted by five Turkish warships and after threats of violence launched (by the Turkish side) and the threat of a collision with the drillship . . . the drillship was compelled to return back,? he said.

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