An increasing French presence in the East Med

The growing international interest in the Eastern Mediterranean is not limited to the energy sector nor to the role of the United States. Other important Western players have been getting in on the action, particularly France, which is involved in exploration for the hydrocarbon deposits believed to exist beneath the seabed in Cyprus's exclusive economic zone, but also in other areas such as security and the economy.

Top French government officials have openly defended Cyprus's right to explore and exploit its natural resources. Apart from the leading role played by oil giant Total, we also have the entry of other French businesses in different areas of the Cypriot economy, most notably in mobile telecommunications.

By taking advantage of a very effective diplomatic representative - the French ambassador in Nicosia speaks excellent Greek and is very knowledgeable on...