Turkish Cypriot official says Cyprus-Lebanon cable needs Turkey's approval
Hasan Tacoy claims a planned undersea electricity link between Cyprus and Lebanon cannot proceed without Turkey's permission, citing the 'Blue Homeland' doctrine.
A planned undersea electricity interconnection cable linking Cyprus and Lebanon is “not possible without Turkey’s permission”, Turkish Cypriot ‘energy minister’ Hasan Tacoy said on Wednesday, as reported by Cyprus Mail.
“If there are plans for nautical activities in the Blue Homeland, whether they be for research, surveys, the laying of cables, or whichever other activities which may be carried out, nothing can go ahead without the Republic of Turkey having the final say. It is not possible without the Republic of Turkey’s permission,” Tacoy told the newspaper.
He explained that such activities would require a navtex — a message warning seaborne vessels of research or cable-laying plans — and that “in Turkish territorial waters, it is Turkey which applies them, just as it applies Notams in Turkish airspace”.
Tacoy cited past incidents, including the Great Sea Interconnector project, when “attempts were made to conduct surveys in Turkish waters without permission” and “the Republic of Turkey enforced its own sovereignty”. He added: “The rule does not change, whether it is a planned cable to Lebanon or to Israel, if the activities are in Turkish territorial waters, it is Turkey which will have the final say.”
In 2024, Turkish naval vessels were deployed after the Italian research ship Ievoli Reulme entered waters Turkey considers its own while surveying the seabed between Cyprus and Crete for the Great Sea Interconnector. Greek frigates Nikiforos Fokas and Aittitos were also dispatched to the area. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has said Greece would send warships again if a similar dispute arises.
The disagreement over the waters stems from whether islands generate their own exclusive economic zone. Greece and Cyprus, citing the UN convention on the law of the sea (Unclos), say they do. Turkey, not a signatory to Unclos, says they do not, and has issued its “Blue Homeland” doctrine based on its continental shelf claims. According to Turkey’s position, beyond the 12 nautical miles of territorial waters it believes both islands are entitled to, the sea between Cyprus and Crete and the sea east of Cyprus is Turkish.
What it means for residents
The planned electricity link with Lebanon could affect energy costs and supply reliability on the island if it is delayed or blocked. Any dispute in Cyprus’s waters also raises broader questions about maritime jurisdiction that touch on everyday life.
- Energy costs: Delays to interconnection projects may slow efforts to diversify power sources and could keep electricity prices higher for households and businesses.
- Regional tensions: Naval standoffs in the area can affect shipping routes and raise security concerns for residents and visitors.
- No immediate action needed: There are no new permits or documents required from residents at this stage; the issue is between states.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
