"US officials have various scenarios in their minds for the region; they want to see strengthened relations between Israel, Egypt and other neighbouring countries. Israel of course is their main focus point," a source told The Cyprus Weekly.

"They see Cyprus as a stabilising factor in this turbulent region, especially now with all the strife going on. And with Turkey being in the corner… this is good timing for Cyprus," added the source.

Newly discovered hydrocarbons in the region will play a peace catalyst role because 'money talks', the same source also said.

At the same time, the crisis in Ukraine has made the EU's need for diversification of its energy market now more necessary than ever.

"This is another unique opportunity for the region's countries and Cyprus should exploit it in the best possible way," the source said.

Moreover, Nicosia seems to have come closer to solving the standing problem of inefficient supervision of its Exclusive Economic Zone.

This is an issue authorities are confronted with since international oil and gas companies began explorations within the island's EEZ, specifically in block 12 - Aphrodite - a year and a half ago.

Turkey, which still occupies territory in Cyprus since its invasion in 1974, opposes any offshore explorations. It went as far as to send warships after the first drilling by US Noble Energy firm.

Ankara claims the estranged Turkish Cypriot community should also be involved in Cyprus' search for hydrocarbons.

And it has made clear that companies involved in offshore exploration in Cyprus' waters are already on a ‘black list’ indicating that such companies will not be allowed to work on projects in Turkey either.

But threats have not stopped more oil and gas giants - including ENI, Total and Halliburton - from signing contracts with Nicosia and setting up offices in Cyprus.

Informed sources in Nicosia yesterday said it is not appropriate for private companies to inform the government over hostile warships' presence in the island's EEZ.

And that it is necessary for Cyprus to get equipped with vessels, radars, specialised staff and search and rescue means for the sake of the international companies carrying out activities in the EEZ.

"A serious state confronts violations and harassment cases first, it does not wait for foreign companies to alert it to them. The radars that Cyprus now has are not able to cover all plots within the EEZ," said the same source.

Source: InCyprus