Turkish foreign ministry 3 Nov issued statement on Republic of Cyprus’ 2nd offshore licensing round for exploration of hydrocarbons, warned “adverse consequences” if international companies carried out “activities in the disputed areas over which Turkish Cypriots also have rights”, reiterating PM’s statement that they would be barred from new energy projects in Turkey. UN envoy Downer met separately with leaders of two sides during trip to island 20 Nov, implied progress not expected in reunification talks until Feb 2013 Greek Cypriot presidential elections.

Speaking in north Cyprus, Turkey’s EU Minister Bağış 16 Oct said recognition of Greek Cypriots by other states “means nothing”, implied Turkey had no intention of giving Varosha (Maraș) and Morphou (Güzelyurt) back to Greek Cypriots as part of a solution. Several protests in south after Turkish Cypriots 30 Sept arrested Greek Cypriot police who had chased Turkish Cypriot youth into north. President Christofias asked UN to intervene; policemen released 3 Oct.

With peace talks between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on hold ahead of Feb 2013 Greek Cypriot elections, UN envoy Downer 23 Sept said efforts currently focused on talks with two sides’ technocrats. Commenting on UN initiative to codify positions of both sides, Greek Cypriot president Christofias said next president not committed to convergences already reached in talks.

FM Marcoullis 23 Aug sought clarification from UK govt over media claims UK bases in Cyprus being used for intelligence support to Syrian rebels. Turkish Energy Minister Yıldız 15 Aug said Turkey’s state petroleum corporation, TPAO, would begin searching for oil in new onshore field in Turkish Cypriot north.

Cyprus assumed EU’s 6-month rotating presidency 1 July. Turkish Cypriot leader Erdoğan 29 June said reunification talks with Greek Cypriots would continue after February 2013 Republic of Cyprus (RoC) presidential elections if deadline to negotiations set, embargoes on N Cyprus removed. UNSC 19 July extended UNFICYP peacekeeping mandate for 6 months, called on both sides to return to negotiations. RoC Minister of Commerce Syklitis 25 July revealed natural gas in RoC’s EEZ not extractable until 2017. Turkey 13 July carried out naval exercises in RoC’s EEZ; RoC spokesman said govt appealing to UN over provocation.

President Christofias 4 June insisted Cyprus’ EU presidency would be exercised with neutrality, declared desire to continue reunification talks with Turkish Cypriots; UNSG Special Adviser Downer 22 June said no new meetings planned between 2 leaders; EU Enlargement Commissioner Füle 21 June warned against ending talks, said “no plan B” to reunification; Turkish Cypriot leader Eroğlu expressed preference for confidence-building measures “instead of negotiating for nothing” during Cypriot EU Presidency.

President Christofias 14 May ruled out re-election after pledge to bow out if no reunification solution found. UNSG Ban 19 May reportedly suggested in meeting with EU Commission President Barroso bid to convince Turkey to renew negotiations despite Turkish vow to freeze negotiations during Cypriot EU Presidency. UN Special Adviser Downer 24 May said convergences achieved so far should not be “thrown away”, expressed desire for talks to continue at technical level with discussion of confidence building measures but admitted “period of uncertainty” while President Christofias’ successor unknown. After French, Italian, Russian oil companies bid 11 May for Cyprus East Mediterranean hydrocarbon blocks, Turkey 18 May warned it will not allow exploration in disputed zones, said applying for Cypriot licenses would disqualify them from Turkish contracts.

UNSG Ban 22 April announced decision not to call international conference, citing “insufficient progress on core issues” in reunification talks; UNSG’s Special Adviser Downer 27 April said UN will host no more “unproductive” high-level meetings, “no more business as usual”. Turkish Cypriot leader Eroğlu had called on UN to open 5-party conference with guarantor countries (UK, Greece, Turkey); Greek Cypriot President Christofias said Eroğlu backtracking, called for continued negotiations. Turkish media 16 April quoted anonymous Turkish official saying if no solution reached by 1 July, Turkey will unilaterally call for international recognition of Turkish Cypriot state, or annex north if recognition not forthcoming. Turkish Deputy PM Arınç 16 April denied existence of ‘Plan B’, said eventual status would be decided by Turkish Cypriots.

Turkey’s EU minister Bağış 3 March suggested Turkey can annex N Cyprus if reunification negotiations fail; Republic of Cyprus 5 March called comments “arrogant and provocative”, Turkish Cypriot opposition leaders said statement “derogatory and unfortunate”. Local opinion poll 19 March revealed 52% of Turkish Cypriots reject annexation, 31% approve. Turkish Cypriot leader Eroğlu 18 March said negotiations would be pointless after Cyprus assumes EU presidency 1 July; UNSG Special Adviser Downer also said talks likely to break down at that time. Turkish state oil company TPAO 12 March announced plans to drill for oil, gas off Cyprus’ north coast. Leaders of two Cypriot communities met 15-29 March to discuss property issue in reunification talks, no significant progress announced.

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders met 16, 21 Feb, discussed procedural matters and property chapter in reunification talks, made little progress. Turkish Cypriot leader Eroğlu 26 Feb reiterated negotiations would not continue once Cyprus takes over EU Presidency 1 July. Greek Cypriot govt 11 Feb opened second offshore hydrocarbon licensing round. Turkey issued statement 14 Feb protesting “provocative” unilateral step, warned it would take necessary measures to protect its interests. Greek Cypriot President 16 Feb called Turkey “troublemaker”, Greek Cypriot FM 15 Feb said its behavior was “bullying”.