Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 22 /Trend, A.Tagiyeva/
Turkey will begin exploratory drilling in the Mediterranean Sea tomorrow, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz said on ether of CNN Turk TV channel.
President of Cyprus Dimitris Christofias stated Sept. 18 that Cyprus will begin exploration of hydrocarbons on its shelf.
He said this action is the sovereign right of the Republic of Cyprus and will be conducted in accordance with the international law.
The first stage of drilling on the Aphrodite platform in the Mediterranean Sea was completed Sept. 21. The drilling was conducted by US-based Noble Energy Company, Zaman newspaper reported.
Head of a local energy company Solon Kasinis said that the first phase of drilling was conducted in a depth of 70-80 meters. The company aims to drill wells up to 5,800 meters, which can take 73 days.
Turkey has repeatedly expressed its categorical protest against the works, requiring to give up plans to develop hydrocarbons in Cyprus.
The European Union urged Turkey "to avoid threats" on the issue of oil and gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean.