Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) plan to construct an interconnected power system to the TRNC from Turkey, Hasan Tacoy, TRNC minister for economy and energy said on Friday.
Speaking on a panel arranged by the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, he said the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) is not alone in its fight to protect its rights and interests to the resources in the region in light of the new gas deal between the Greek Cypriots, Eni and Total that has excluded the TRNC.
Tacoy said the TRNC is unable to reach cheap and clean energy due to the Greek Cypriot's collusion with international companies without provision for the rights of the TRNC.
In order to gain access to competitively priced energy, Tacoy explained that the TRNC and Turkey would construct an interconnected system not only for domestic energy consumption but potentially for export also.
-Turkish Cypriots are facing 'cruel and unfair embargoes'
'The new gas deal between Greek Cypriots, Eni and Total indicates that Greek Cypriots want to act with tension, not with compromise,' Tacoy said.
He argued that the Turkish Cypriots are facing 'cruel and unfair embargoes' despite taking a peaceful stance with the Greek Cypriots.
He advised international companies that the steps they are taking in collaborating with Greek Cypriots to unilaterally explore resources on the island are harming the Turkish Cypriots' rights, which could cost them.
'They should not bolster the tension in the island,' he urged.
'We will not make concessions on our rights in Cyprus, and we will fight self-confidently with the support of our homeland Turkey,' he said.
Reporting By Ebru Sengul
Writing by Gokce Kucuk and Busranur Begcecanli
Anadolu Agency
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