Turkey said waters off the coast of war-divided Cyprus where Greek Cypriots plan to explore for natural gas lie within its continental shelf, sharpening multi-sided disputes over major fields under the eastern Mediterranean, UPI reported. Ankara has warned international companies bidding for drilling rights in the area that it will not allow any outside exploration in the disputed waters that are internationally acknowledged as belonging to the Greek Cypriot government in Nicosia. Total of France, Italy's Eni, Novatec of Russia and Malaysia's state oil company Petronas are among the 15 international companies and consortia seeking licenses to drill off southern Cyprus in the face of Ankara's strident objections. The Greek Cypriot government in Nicosia is currently assessing the bids. It is not yet clear how seriously the companies concerned are taking the Turkish warnings to back off.
