17/10/2014 CYPRUS NEGOTIATIONS AND EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN NATURAL GAS RESERVES The negotiations over Cyprus started in Beirut in 1968 and interruptedly has been continuing so far. Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has striven great efforst in order to brind an end to Cyprus dispute. Turkey and TRNC expects that Greek Cyprus Administration contribute the process with a great effort . In the early of 2011, the fact that Greek Cypriot side explored the natutal gas resources in the south of the island and also has experienced economic crisis lead the negotiations going into a new phase. The interrupted negotiations reopened in 2014 and with the announcement of "Joint Statement Text", the parties seemed determined to fulfill the responsibilities enshrined in the Joint Statement Text. However, Greek Cypriot side withdrew from the negotiations on September, 2014. While Turkey, as a guarantor counry, TRNC, United States of America (USA) and European Union (EU) were expecting a new, united Federal Cyprus state, the withdrawal of Greek Cypriot Side put the negotiations process in stalemate. The exploration of natural gas resources in the south of island led the Greek Cypriot Side to attempt the drilling works in the said area. On the grounds to the fact that the said natural gas resources extend to the Israel's exclusive economic zone, Israel and Greek Cypriot Side collaborate in terms of drilling. At this point, Turkey express her concerns regarding the unilateral acts of Greek Cypriot Side. As for Turkey, Greek Cypriot Side is not the owner of the island alone. Therefore, the presence of the Turkish Cyprus Side in the north of the island should be taken into consideration. On the basis of this grounds, Turkey sent to warships to the area where natural gas exploration workings are continuting. Since the negotiatons reopened on february, Greek Cypriot Side has maintaned its drilling working incessantly and has acted irrespective of the presence of Turkish Cypriot Side. Although Anastasiadis had a positive look and agreed to sign the Joing Statement Text, his withdrawal from the negotiations constitues a paradox. As states above, Turkey stand against the attitudes that Greek Cypriot Side implements its drilling workings in the East of Mediterranean in cooperation with Israel. Wanting to reduce its dependency on Russia regarding natural gas, EU supports the negotiation process between two nations. From this perspective, EU expects the East Mediterranean's proven natural gas reserves to contribute the South Gas Corridor which includes TANAP (Trans Anatolian Gas Pipeline), TAP (Trans Adriatic Pipeline) and SCP (Southern Caucasus Gas Pipeline) Despite the EU's goal towards this, there are political disagreements between Turkey and Greek Cypriot as well as Turkey and Israel. Turkey plays a significant role regarding the transportation of Eastern Mediterranean gas to Europe passing through Turkey. Aiming to be an energy hub in her location, Turkey supports the idea that Eastern Mediterranean Gas transports to the Europe after storing in Turkey. A well-going negotiation process shall create a positive environment on the basis of interdependence. By creating interdepence in the energy field, the