“If it benefits energy diversity in Europe and energy supplies in Cyprus that is a good thing ... I really don't see a linkage between those two issues,” - US Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon, Reuters Jan 2011
"Cyprus is clearly a state. Cyprus does not need UNFICYP to exist... Cyprus is a member of the EU and there is no chance of that being altered... US investments in Cyprus amount to more than $379 million...This figure will soon increase substantially as an American energy firm begins exploring for oil and gas off Cyprus’ southwest coast" - US Ambassador Frank Urbanic 2008
Israel's minister of national infrastructures, Uzi Landau, even said Israel would "not hesitate to use force" to protect the fields and uphold international maritime law. - LA Times 2010
"[EU] membership makes them [Cyprus Republic] invulnerable” Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioğlu in a meeting with the State Department's Undersecretary William Burns on Feb 18, 2010
Sources:
Neighbors watchful as Israel demarcates maritime borders with Cyprus | December 26, 2010 | LA TIMES
Wikileaks | November 2011
FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE | Nov 29, 2010 | Downer is frustrated, Greek Cypriots are 'invulnerable' | WIKILEAKS
US Ambassador stresses Cyprus’ sovereign right to oil exploitation 2007-03-08 | Cyprus Embassy in Washington D.C.
US company to begin oil exploration soon | Cyprus Mail | 2008
US: No linkage between Greek Cyprus exploration bid and peace talks | 21 January 2011| TODAY'S ZAMAN WITH WIRES, ANKARA
