Tuesday’s GSI meeting considered useful by all parties, says Spokesman
A meeting set for next Tuesday, initiated by the Republic of Cyprus, regarding the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection project, is considered useful by all parties involved, said Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis on Friday.
Speaking during the weekly press briefing at the Presidential Palace, Letymbiotis explained that for such significant projects, it’s essential that all aspects and parameters be clarified to avoid any ambiguities in the decisions taken.
‘The goal is for this project, as well as the other pillars of the government’s energy plan, to relieve Cypriot households and consumers by reducing electricity costs,’ Letymbiotis noted.
‘The upcoming meeting on Tuesday will provide a platform for all involved parties to come together, ensuring a unified interpretation and exchange of views on matters requiring clarification at this stage’, he added.
He reminded that clarifications had been requested, with responses expected to shape the next steps. Letymbiotis emphasized that no
one disputed the importance of the electricity interconnection project, but said that decisions must be taken with careful consideration and responsibility, given the project’s scale and significance.
Addressing concerns about a cost-benefit report submitted by the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) to the European Investment Bank (EIB), Letymbiotis confirmed that the government was in touch with the EIB to verify certain details. Additionally, he said that a separate cost-benefit study requested by the Cypriot government was in the tendering process.
He explained that the study was aimed at assessing whether the Republic of Cyprus would invest in the share capital of the company that undertook the interconnection project.
‘We chose to act responsibly as a government, and I believe that is what society expects from us, clear and well-informed decisions based on accurate data,’ Letymbiotis said.
He reiterated that Tuesday’s meeting with all stakeholders will be valuable, a view shared by
all participants. “We are acting to ensure the best interests of the Cypriot consumer and to secure benefits for the Republic of Cyprus,” he added.
In response to a journalist’s question that an agreement with timelines was reached between the energy ministries of Cyprus and Greece on Monday evening, and when asked what changed between Monday night and Wednesday afternoon regarding the Cabinet, the Government Spokesman stated that “it is self-evident that any decisions are made at the Cabinet level.”
He further explained, that “a project like the implementation of the electricity interconnection, given its significance-geopolitically, economically, and its role in our energy planning has multiple aspects that must be examined, including financial and legal dimensions. What must be clarified, once again, is that there should be no ambiguity or gaps in the process.”
Responding to rumors that the government was seeking ways to bypass parliamentary approval for the project, Letymbiotis said no such limitation
or goal exists. “The only focus is on making well-informed decisions that benefit consumers and prevent electricity prices from rising.”
He assured that constructive discussions were ongoing within the Cabinet to safeguard the Republic of Cyprus and its citizens while minimizing risks.
Regarding geopolitical risks, Letymbiotis said Cyprus exercises its sovereign rights as an EU member state, downplaying any concerns about sovereignty.
When asked if there were any issues concerning trust with the Greek government following recent developments, Letymbiotis reaffirmed that relations between Athens and Nicosia remain strong. “There is no issue of trust. This is a large, EU-supported project of common interest,” he concluded.
Source: Cyprus News Agency