After being spectators to a year-long drama series that seemed to have no final episode, the Cable project that will enable the electrical interconnection between Cyprus, Greece and Israel (GSI) finally appears to be moving toward implementation, following statements by Cypriot government ministers supporting the necessity of continuing construction work, citing its strategic character.
The solution to the problem began to emerge after the public intervention of Cyprus Energy Minister Georgios Papanastasiou, who is considered a strong supporter of the project. Specifically, Mr. Papanastasiou argued that the project is feasible while clarifying that “it has issues that need to be managed,” while simultaneously referring to the obligations of the implementing body, namely ADMIE. However, the support he offered to Finance Minister Makis Keraunos was striking, rejecting claims of divergent views and emphasizing that “Nicosia has a unified position which has been expressed through the President of the Republic.”
The statements by Cyprus’ Energy Minister provided satisfaction in Athens. Speaking at the “Imerisia” conference, Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou expressed his satisfaction because, as he said, they clarified the landscape and emphasized that the project is absolutely viable and implementable.
Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis moved along the same lines, characterizing the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Greece as strategically important, while noting that completing the project requires meeting specific conditions by ADMIE as the project’s implementing body.
Georgios Gerapetritis’ message to Cyprus about the cable
Earlier yesterday, from Thessaloniki, Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis called on the Cypriot government to support the project unconditionally, arguing that its construction has strategic character and is of major importance for Cyprus as it will end its energy isolation. Furthermore, Mr. Gerapetritis, referring to Turkey, argued that “Turkey’s reactions are not those that will prevent us. I am very clear on this issue. We will proceed, as long as there is a stable agreement and commitment to this project. If Turkey undertakes to obstruct the project from its side, we all understand that this will obviously have consequences, which everyone will bear,” stated the Foreign Minister, and once again supported that the project is absolutely protected by International Law.
