“We will push on with gas exploration” says Cyprus president

The government said on Tuesday it would press ahead with plans for gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean regardless of disputes with Turkey.
Cyprus is planning a major push into oil and gas exploration this year, but Turkey has repeatedly said the move could upset reunification talks for the island.
"It is the sovereign right of Cyprus to explore for natural gas. Turkey has no right, and nor does any other country, to tell us we do not have that right," President Demetris Christofias told reporters at a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Nicosia.
The island's estimated hydrocarbon reserves have come into sharper focus after neighbouring Israel discovered two large offshore gas fields in an area which abutts Cypriot sea territory.
A U.S. company, Noble has exploration rights over one Cypriot offshore block, while Cyprus is planning to open more areas to exploration by the end of 2011.
"Unfortunately Turkey is making things difficult, is harassing us in our attempts (at exploration)… while at the same time wanting to open the energy chapter in its accession talks," said Christofias.
Cyprus had reported Turkey to the United Nations more than two years ago after what it said were Turkish gunboats harassing exploration vessels. It was unclear if Christofias was referring to a new incident.
"This logic of the absurd, this gunboat diplomacy must end by Turkey if it wants to be a modern state which wants to join the EU," Christofias said.
Energy is one of some 35 chapters, or policy areas, which Turkey must conclude before joining the EU. Only one has been completed, 12 remain under discussion and 18 have been frozen because of opposition by EU member states.
Although the unresolved Cyprus question is complicating Turkey's EU entry talks launched five years ago, there is also resistance among EU member states, notably Germany and France.