NICOSIA - The frontrunner in Greece's parliamentary election said Monday the indebted country should set out the borders of an offshore economic exploitation zone, a step towards hydrocarbon exploration that could antagonise its long-term rival Turkey.
Conservative New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras said he believed Greece should follow Cyprus's example in defining a maritime boundary, which is normally a precursor to exploring offshore for oil and gas.
Such a move could escalate festering arguments between Turkey and Greece over land, air, sea and sea-floor borders in the Aegean, if the proposed zone crosses into disputed territory.
Both countries have come to the brink of conflict over territorial rights in the past. They are also at loggerheads over Cyprus.
"We believe that Greece should undertake corresponding specific initiatives such as those taken by the late President Tassos Papadopoulos in recognising an EEZ (economic exploitation zone)," Samaras told reporters in Cyprus.
His party is leading in opinion polls ahead of an election expected in Greece in April.
"The existence of sub-sea wealth shows the depth of a common strategy which can be developed between Cyprus and Greece on issues of economy as well," he said.
"What is happening today with the EEZ of Cyprus is very important to the Aegean, (and) to what could occur with the Greek EEZ in the Aegean," he added. Sameras did not say exactly where the zone would lie.
Ankara questions the jurisdiction of Cyprus's internationally-recognised Greek Cypriot government in exploring for oil and gas.
Turkey last week warned the island risked stoking tension in the region by embarking on a second hydrocarbon licensing round for offshore plots rimming Cyprus's south.
It said five of the 12 plots included in the round encroached on Turkey's continental shelf, an assertion Cyprus denied.
Samaras has stressed that the Cyprus problem is a top priority for the Greek government, despite the huge difficulties his country is facing because of the economic crisis.

Speaking after a meeting he had on Monday with the President of the Republic Demetris Christofias in the framework of his visit to Cyprus, Samaras said that “Cyprus and Greece are two independent states, however the two countries belong to the same nation”, adding that he feels truly moved being in Cyprus.

He underlined the need for a solution to the Cyprus problem that will be viable and just and will end the island’s Turkish occupation.

Tonight Samaras will attend a dinner hosted by the President of the Democratic Rally.