Turkey says Greek Cypriot plans to launch offshore oil and gas exploration are an "adventure" that is likely to fuel tensions and hamper reunification talks, tuskishny.com reports.

Burak Özügergin, the foreign ministry spokesman, reiterated on June 11, that Turkey was determined to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriots in the island, warning Cyprus against unilateral moves.

Özügergin spoke was in response to statement made on June 10 by Cyprus that it will not agree to open the key energy chapter in Turkey's accession talks with the European Union because of what it said was interference by Turkish navy ships with an offshore oil-and-gas survey off its southern coast.

Özügergin says Turkey does not want to stir up tensions but intends to protect its interests.