Üstel Vows Energy Work Will Continue in Mediterranean
Northern Cyprus's prime minister rejected Republic of Cyprus objections and pressed ahead with a planned Türkiye pipeline.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Oil and Gas
Ünal Üstel, prime minister of northern Cyprus, stated that Turkish Cypriots and Türkiye will continue energy activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. He responded in writing to diplomatic démarches from the Republic of Cyprus and said the natural gas pipeline project would proceed at full speed.
Why it matters
The dispute involves competing claims over energy and research activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, where the Republic of Cyprus has sent complaints to the United Nations and the European Union. Üstel said the Greek Cypriot side's stance makes it more difficult to maintain peace on the island.
The statement contains no specific financial or operational figures for the pipeline or energy activities. Üstel's remarks rely on comparison to the existing Türkiye water-transfer project rather than on measured data.
The players
Ünal Üstel
Ünal Üstel is the prime minister of northern Cyprus, leading the Turkish Cypriot administration on the island.
The details
Üstel said Turkish Cypriot and Turkish energy and research activities are an exercise of legitimate rights that require no permission from anyone. He added that the Republic of Cyprus has no right to intervene in decisions or projects of the Turkish Cypriot administration, and he repeated support for two separate peoples and two separate states on the island.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Üstel issues his written statement rejecting Republic of Cyprus objections.
Big Picture
The dispute reflects the long-standing division of Cyprus into a Greek Cypriot-led Republic of Cyprus and a Turkish Cypriot administration in the north, which Üstel reaffirmed by calling for coexistence of two separate states. Energy development in the Eastern Mediterranean now adds a new layer to that division.
For readers following regional energy markets, the dispute could affect how gas projects in the Eastern Mediterranean are permitted and developed. The statement offers no timeline for the pipeline, so its practical effect on supply remains unclear.
The takeaway
Competing claims over Eastern Mediterranean energy projects are becoming a central point of tension between Cyprus's two administrations. Readers tracking the issue should watch for responses from the United Nations and European Union to the complaints filed so far.
Further reading
For related coverage of gas infrastructure and development, see Oil and Gas.
