Daily Sabah: Natural gas reserves may unite separated people of Cyprus

Natural gas discoveries off the coast of Cyprus have brought the state of relations between the island nation and the Levant into question. During an interview with an Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent, experts commented on the energy issues in light of present political developments in the region. George Pamboridis, a specialist of international relations and law, stressed the necessity of establishing cooperation under Turkish and Greek leadership based on economic grounds and said, "Cypriot communities should collaborate to use natural gas and oil resources effectively."

Pamboridis mentioned U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's May visit to Cyprus and described it as an indicator of the U.S.'s increasing attention in the region.

"Discovery of energy sources in Israel and Cyprus caused the U.S. to realign its policies in the region," he added. Pamboridis, who is also the author of the book titled "Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Cyprus," said that European countries are the most important clients for the natural gas that Cyprus will be exporting." "The energy reservoirs will also contribute positively to the peace process on the island. Apart from the Turkish and Greek communities on the island, Israel, the U.S., Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt will reap the benefit of the peace process in Cyprus.
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