Turkey threatens retaliation over Cypriot oil drilling plan

The Turkish energy minister called on Cyprus to cancel plans for oil drilling on the Mediterranean shelf and threatened retaliatory measures if it goes ahead. "We [Turkey] will begin oil extraction in the Mediterranean Sea starting next week, if the Greek Cypriots follow their planned schedule. Our seismic vessels will be escorted by warships," Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz said on Monday. Cyprus announced plans earlier this year to begin drilling for oil on October 1 on the Mediterranean shelf close to the island, which is divided into Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sectors. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu criticized the proposed drilling as an "incitment and provocation." Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island backed by Greece. Turkey is the only state that has recognized the breakaway Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.