The leader of the Northern Cypriot community, Mustafa Akinci warned that any attempts by the Cypriot Republic in the south to go ahead with drilling for hydrocarbons before a solution to the dispute between the two communities would lead to rising tensions. “We do not want new tensions and areas of dispute. We want to benefit through collaboration and the common wealth. That is why a solution is necessary”, he said. “If drilling starts before achieving a solution [Cypriot problem], then the risk of new tensions and conflicts will be present instead of cooperation”, Mr. Akinci said during a speech on April 9.