Cyprus announces drilling barrage

With Nicosia seeking to consolidate its sovereign rights in view of Turkey's stance in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis announced on Tuesday that the country will conduct eight drillings, six exploratory and two confirmatory, in specific areas of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) over the next 24 months, without revealing exactly where.

Moreover, he said that his government is in the final stages of licensing for Block 7, where France has expressed an interest. The block in question is considered especially "vulnerable" to Turkish claims as it has yet to be assigned to an energy company for drilling activities.
Turkey's Fatih drillship currently remains anchored within Cyprus' EEZ while the Barbaros research vessel is in Block 8, which has been awarded to Italian company Eni.
Nicosia is also keeping an eye on developments in...