Turkey's objections to South Cyprus' offshore exploration are now garnering support in the international arena. Turkey has announced that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) should also have a share of any oil exploration or drilling off of Cyprus' continental shelf.

Russian Federation Energy Minister Alexander Novak commented on South Cyprus plans to establish partnerships with big energy firms to drill for oil and gas offshore by stating, "We cannot put our cooperation with Turkey at risk."

'WE ABSOLUTELY TAKE NOTICE'

Novak spoke with Turkish reporters in Antalya where he was attending a 12th meeting of the Turkish-Russian Joint Economic Commission.

Novak emphasized that Russia is absolutely taking into account the existence of certain unsolved issues surrounding offshore activities in Cyprus and said, "We have a relationship of collaboration with the Republic of Turkey which goes way back. When these sorts of issue surface, we always pay close attention to our friendly relations. We definitely have no intentions of violating our business principles," explained Novak.