THE Cyprus Republic has the sovereign right to oil and gas exploration in the island’s exclusive financial zone, European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said yesterday.
Piebalgs was speaking after meetings with President Tassos Papadopoulos and Foreign Minister George Lillikas, having arrived in Cyprus to present the EU’s Energy Policy for Europe.
Lillikas said they had discussed Turkey’s threats against Cyprus regarding the island’s plans for oil and gas exploration.
The minister and European Commissioner also discussed the creation of a common European energy policy.
“Cyprus supported and will continue to support the prospect of forming a common European energy policy,” Lillikas said after the meeting.
The minister confirmed that the matter of oil and gas exploration had been discussed, and Piebalgs position was “the same as the one made public by the Commission, that it is the Cyprus Republic’s sovereign right to reach agreements within the framework of international law and no state is allowed to intervene.”
Lillikas also informed the commissioner on local opposition to plans for wind-farms in Ayios Theodoros, wondering why such a proven alternative energy had led to this “unexpected reaction”.
At a news conference later, Piebalgs said he believed wind energy would be very beneficial for Cyprus. “Wind power is very successful in Europe. In all its history, wind energy has been a success. If it is done properly, it will not cause any damage,” he said.
Lillikas agreed. “There are exaggerated fears and concerns, which are not based on any facts. By better informing the residents and engaging in a dialogue, I believe that they will be led to understand that it is to their benefit and Cyprus’ benefit in general for us to ease dependency on oil and use sources of renewable energy.”
He added: “Only then can Cypriots’ quality of life be upgraded while at the same time protecting the environment.”
Pielbags also held talks with President Tassos Papadopoulos, focussing on next week’s EC meeting in Brussels, where a final decision on the Energy Policy for Europe programme will be reached.
Piebalgs told Papadopoulos that the best sources of renewable energy in Cyprus were solar and wind.
