Cyprus Foreign Minister Accuses Turkey of Obstructing Energy Project Linking Israel to Europe

<p><strong>UNITED NATIONS —</strong> Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of using "hypocritical and provocative" rhetoric regarding Gaza while warning that Ankara is attempting to obstruct a significant energy project that would link Israel, Cyprus, and Europe.</p><p>Kombos stated, "Turkey has been making threats and has been acting on threats against Cyprus, especially in the exclusive economic zone," during an interview with Fox News Digital on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.</p><p>He referenced the Great Sea Interconnector, a planned subsea electricity cable that would connect Israel to Cyprus and subsequently Cyprus to Greece, integrating the island into Europe’s power grid.</p><p>Kombos explained, "The main project of the electrical connection between Greece-Cyprus and then Cyprus-Israel has been blocked by Turkey because of illegal claims they have in terms of delimitation in the exclusive economic zone."</p><p>The Great Sea Interconnector, estimated to cost approximately €1.9 billion, is designed to transmit up to 1,000 megawatts across more than 1,200 kilometers of subsea cable. The European Union has committed €657 million to the Cyprus-Crete section, which aims to eliminate Cyprus’ isolation from the European electricity system and facilitate a more direct connection for Israel to the European market.</p><p>The project has encountered financial delays and geopolitical tensions due to competing Greek and Turkish maritime claims in the Eastern Mediterranean.</p><p>Kombos remarked, "The fact that we have someone challenging all the bases and all the norms of international law cannot be the answer to how we plan the future of our people."</p><p>His comments were also a response to Erdoğan’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly. Kombos noted, "We decided to stay in the room and hear Mr. Erdoğan’s speech," referring to himself and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. "And we are both, at the same time, thinking that this is hypocritical and provocative."</p><p>Kombos criticized Erdoğan’s appeals to the U.N. Charter, contrasting them with Turkey’s actions regarding the divided Mediterranean island. He stated, "It’s an ongoing violation, an act of aggression, of invasion, of occupation," highlighting the disparity between rhetoric and actions.</p><p>During his address on September 22, Erdoğan launched a strong critique of Israel, accusing the Israeli government of refusing to end its "occupation" and labeling Gaza as "the most inhumane and shameful concentration camp of our time." Israel has consistently denied allegations of committing genocide in Gaza.</p><p>Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following a coup supported by Greece’s then-military junta and subsequent Turkish military intervention, which resulted in the island being split. The internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus governs the south, while the northern third is administered by Turkish Cypriots with Turkey’s backing. The self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized solely by Turkey, and a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone separates the two regions.</p><p>Attempts to reunify the island have repeatedly stalled, with the U.N.-backed framework focusing on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, while Turkey has recently supported a two-state solution.</p><p>Kombos expressed that Cyprus seeks to resume negotiations from where they left off in 2017 but emphasized that progress relies on Ankara's cooperation. He stated, "We need Turkey to give the green light to the Turkish Cypriot leadership," adding that a two-state approach "runs contrary to everything this very organization and the United Nations Security Council have decided."</p><p>The U.N. has recently intensified efforts to revive the negotiation process. Secretary-General António Guterres visited Cyprus from July 28-29, meeting with both Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman to advance discussions toward a "comprehensive and sustainable settlement."</p><p>Kombos also expressed concerns regarding Turkey potentially acquiring U.S. F-35 fighter jets, stating, "This is something that is of concern to us, of course, as well as to other countries in the region. We cannot just accept this as the usual day at the office. This is something that’s important. It’s upsetting regional balances."</p><p>Simultaneously, Cyprus has strengthened its relationship with Washington. Kombos noted that the U.S.-Cyprus relationship is currently at its highest level, citing strategic dialogue, military cooperation, joint exercises, and efforts to align Cypriot facilities with U.S. and NATO assets.</p><p>Earlier this month, the U.S. renewed Cyprus’ exemption from International Traffic in Arms Regulations restrictions for fiscal year 2027, allowing for the transfer of U.S. defense articles and services. Cyprus is also eligible for U.S. Foreign Military Sales and the Excess Defense Articles program.</p><p>Kombos asserted, "We want to make sure that we are an active, useful partner in the international system," emphasizing that Cyprus’ strategic location and close ties with Israel, Gulf states, Europe, and the U.S. enhance its regional importance.</p>