US ambassador backs Nicosia's right to explore for oil, does not see problems from Turkey for Exxon

The US Ambassador to Cyprus Kathleen Doherty on Wednesday underlined Washington's support for Nicosia's right to explore and develop oil resources in its economic zone and, regarding Exxon's drilling in the region, said she did not anticipate any problems from Turkey.

"The United States has consistently reiterated its support for the Republic of Cyprus' right to develop its resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone," she told a news briefing.

"At the same time, we have noted that we believe the island's oil and gas resources, like all of its resources, should be equitably shared between both communities in the context of an overall settlement."

However, she noted that finding deposits and then commercializing them may take several years.

She added that a "just and lasting settlement" of the Cyprus problem would "greatly facilitate" the development of the...