THE GOVERNMENT is working quietly to transform Cyprus into a regional energy hub, President Demetris Christofias said yesterday, adding that civil servants should take heed of this approach and say as little as possible about potential activities in the field of energy.
The president said the government’s efforts are based on taking advantage of the country’s strategic position and its EU membership.
Cyprus was awaiting ratification of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) signed with Lebanon by its parliament, while agreements on EEZs were ratified with neighbouring countries, Egypt and Israel, opening the way for Cyprus to exploit its underwater natural resources. He hoped a deal would be signed with Syria soon.
“Very soon, a joint committee between Cyprus and Israel will begin a detailed dialogue on the possible joint exploitation of this underwater wealth,” he said.
Christofias noted the “negative” role played by Turkey in this field: “We ignore, and this is not arrogance, threats from Turkey. We are a European country. We ratified the Convention on the Law of the Sea, and we insist on talking with our neighbours on the basis of this convention,” he said.
Regarding progress on potential collaboration with Israel on the exploration and transport of natural gas, Christofias said the government was working quietly on this “without making grand statements”.
He called on the relevant public officials dealing with energy, an obvious reference to Energy Service director Solon Kassinis, “to leave it to the President and Minister to handle, without too many words.
“Grand statements are not needed on these issues. We need serious, responsible work. If we can realise our vision, our goals, on this issue, this will be a tremendous contribution to the Cypriot people.”
Asked to elaborate on his vision for Cyprus as an energy hub, Christofias said that already a large company will house a storage centre for handling oil and gas here.
“As regards the rest of my vision, which exists of course, allow me to be a little sparing. When I ask officials to speak as little as possible, I cannot go ahead now on television and say things which tomorrow could create problems in our efforts to implement this vision.”
He added that Cyprus was working “quietly” with its neighbours, including Greece to realise this vision, “which if successful will free Cyprus from energy for many years.”
