Cyprus protests Turkey-occupied territory gas pipeline deal at United Nations

The Republic of Cyprus has formally protested to the United Nations regarding a memorandum of understanding signed on July 10, 2026, between Turkey and the self-proclaimed authorities in the occupied northern territories. Maria Michael, Cyprus's Permanent Representative to the UN, submitted the letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, denouncing the project as an illegal violation of Cypriot sovereignty and international law. The planned pipeline, spanning 101 kilometers, is intended to transport gas from Anamur, Turkey, to the Trapeza power station, with a capacity to handle 10 billion cubic meters annually.

Cyprus argues that the project aims to create a permanent strategic infrastructure link, deepening the dependence of the occupied areas on Turkey. Diplomatic correspondence notes that preparatory activities, including seismic surveys, appear to have commenced following a Turkish navtex issued on July 21, 2026. The Nicosia government has urged the UN to demand that Turkey cease all related operations immediately. Conversely, the "prime minister" of the Turkish-occupied entity, Unal Ustel, has dismissed the complaint, asserting that the administration has the right to secure its own energy future and criticizing the Greek-Cypriot government's stance as an obstacle to progress.