THE COMMERCE Ministry will not be drawn into an exchange of petty arguments and will continue to perform its task as outlined by the law, Minister Praxoula Antoniadou said yesterday.
Speaking to journalists while attending the October 28 celebrations in Limassol, Antoniadou stressed the paramount significance of the ministry continuing its work in an efficient and swift way, and expressed her intention to shy away from any petty distractions.
The Minister has been on the receiving end of some heavy criticism this week from both the opposition and parliament for her decision to remove certain authorities from Energy Service top officials.
Antoniadou rescinded, earlier this week, an executive decision dating back to 2007, which gave authority to the Energy Service to handle issues relating to hydrocarbons and the Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ).
The row between the minister and the Energy Service head, Solon Kassinis has dominated the political discussion this week, while Kassinis also expressed his intention to take Antoniadou to court over her decision.
Antoniadou repeatedly stressed that the Energy Service officials were not marginalised completely, but that the minister was merely taking control of the decisions that she would be held accountable for as a political superior.
Kassinis has complained that his authority could not be removed unless a formal complaint and investigation was in place, evaluating any possible criminal offences he might have performed; as outlined by the laws on public servants.
“Technocrats will continue to do their job and the minister is simply assuming her political responsibilities to the extent outlined by the law” reiterated Antoniadou.
Opposition MPs, spearheaded by DISY deputy-leader Averof Neophytou, tabled a legal amendment this week, which entails among other things, the inclusion of the house in decisions that are deemed of national interest with respect to hydrocarbons.
Neophytou said that the reasoning behind this was to prevent the government from possibly bypassing the normal process of licensing, after concerns surfaced that certain companies would be handed contracts directly.
The transfer of responsibility of energy policy from the commerce ministry to the Interior Minister, Neoclis Sylikiotis has also incensed the opposition.
Antoniadou’s 2009 study on future energy collaboration with Turkey after a solution to the Cyprus problem has also come under heavy scrutiny; with the opposition also questioning the minister’s knowledge in dealing with energy policy.
“The vocal intention of the legislative body to try and interfere with the executive authority is something that should trouble all of us; especially on how it relates to the concept of democracy and its functioning” said Antoniadou.
The minister said that works on the Noble Energy platform were continuing properly and that the first indications would be publicised in December. The second round of licensing is thought to be planned for early December.
