Prolonged Occupation and Exploitation of Natural Resources

Abstract

During recent years, natural gas reserves have been located off the coast of Cyprus and their possible exploitation has drawn the attention of Turkey, which has been in occupation of Northern Cyprus for decades. This contribution explores whether the law of occupation could provide a legal basis for the exploitation by Turkey of Northern Cyprus’ natural gas, specifically considering the prolonged nature of the occupation. It argues that Turkey is obliged to comply with the restrictive rules governing the use of natural resources in occupied territories. Furthermore, this contribution discusses the argument that during prolonged occupations an occupying power should be granted more leeway in imposing wider ranging initiatives to prevent the local population’s developmental stagnation, including more extensive natural resource exploitation. However, this contribution argues that granting such leeway has the potential to entrench the authority of the occupant into a state of permanency under the guise of legitimacy.