The Government of Cyprus underlined on Thursday that the viability of the Cyprus–Greece electricity interconnection project is directly tied to the fulfilment of specific conditions by the implementing body, urging that these be met without delay so the project can move forward.
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stressed there are no differences with the Greek Government, reiterating that the project is of strategic importance for Cyprus, Greece and the EU. He noted, however, that its viability depends on the timely implementation of obligations agreed with the implementing body.
“It is the longstanding position of the Government that the electricity interconnection project is of strategic importance for the Republic of Cyprus. At the same time, it is clear that the viability of this project is directly linked to, and depends on, specific conditions undertaken by the implementing body, and we expect the implementation of those conditions”, he told a press briefing at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia.
He rejected media reports coming from Greece suggesting that Cyprus was “pulling the plug” on the project, emphasising that Nicosia’s position is clear and unified, that the project must proceed once the agreed conditions are fulfilled.
Acknowledging the project’s geopolitical and strategic value, he recalled that planning began in 2011 and that it enjoys strong EU support and funding.
Letymbiotis also confirmed that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the project following complaints, adding that the Government expects the probe to be completed swiftly, revealing whether there are any findings.
Speaking in the Greek capital, on the same issue, Greek Government Spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Athens has not received any notification from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding the Great Sea Interconnector.
Marinakis said Greece will request further information from Nicosia on its intentions on the implementation of the project, noting that while Athens continues to view the project as strategically important, questions remain over its financial viability and cost-sharing, after Cyprus’ Minister of Finance statements on the subject.
He stressed that Greece fully supports Cyprus on national issues, but cannot overlook the economic aspects of the project, adding that mixed signals have emerged from Nicosia.
