Energy cooperation would help peace on Cyprus: Akinci

By Yusuf Hatip and Bahattin Gonultas

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci said that if the negotiations for a resolution on the island end in success, Mediterranean gas reserves will help bring lasting peace to the island.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency on Friday after attending the 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, Akinci also warned, "If there is no solution and compromise on the island, the natural gas deposits will be an element of tension."

Stating that an energy corridor from southern Cyprus into Northern Cyprus would serve peace, he added, "Cyprus’ natural gas deposits are ours, too".

On plans by Israel, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot administration to build underwater electricity networks, Akinci said, "Instead, an Israel-Cyprus-Turkey route could be less expensive and easier," he said.

He also stated that if a settlement is reached, water coming from Turkey to the island's north would be shared with the south.

"Cooperation in the field of energy benefits everyone in the region. That's the smart way. For this, a resolution on Cyprus is necessary," Akinci said.

- Turkish Cyprus seeks ECO membership

Akinci said that his country has applied for full membership in the ECO, the 10-nation Eurasian political and economic intergovernmental organization which includes Turkey, Pakistan, and Iran.

Akinci said the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus currently has observer status in the organization, adding, "There is no need to wait for the resolution process to cooperate" with countries in the region.

He also stated that his country is providing good tourism and education services.

After a military coup in the eastern Mediterranean island in 1974 which aimed to unite it with Greece, Turkey intervened as a guarantor power.

This led to the emergence of an independent Turkish Cypriot state in the north and a Greek Cypriot administration in the south.

Cypriot issues remain unresolved despite a series of discussions which resumed in May 2015.

The main goal is to find a political solution as the sides seek to reunify the island under a federal system after more than 40 years of division.

Cyprus’ three guarantors -- Turkey, Greece, and the United Kingdom -- were assigned when it gained independence from Britain in 1960.