Statements
by the Minister of Energy at a CyBC radio programme
The Minister of Energy, Commerce,
Industry and Tourism, Mr Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, speaking during a CyBC radio
programme this morning, made extensive reference to the Turkish provocations in
the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus and the planning of the
companies operating in the area.
More specifically, replying to a
question, Mr Lakkotrypis said the drilling programme in “Onasagoras#1” well is
running smoothly and is in line with the initial time schedule. “We are in daily contact with the company
[ENI] and we are monitoring the developments both electronically and in
person”, he added.
Asked to say whether there have been any
incidents similar to the ones observed during the drilling carried out by
Noble, when Noble’s helicopters were harassed by the Turks, the Minister of
Energy said no problems have arisen so far, noting at the same time that no one
can predict Turkey’s provocativeness.
Responding to another question, Mr
Lakkotrypis said Officers of the Ministry visit the drillship “Saipem 10000”
and other Services will get involved as well as the drilling carries out.
“Officers are receiving the relevant training so that they will stay on the
platform from the beginning of next month”, he added.
Invited to say whether he is in contact
with ENI headquarters and if he communicates to them the ongoing political
developments, the Minister of Energy said the company was primarily being
informed about the developments from its local offices in Cyprus. He also
revealed that he will meet with some of the company’s Vice-Presidents in a few
days to discuss the developments but mostly the next steps regarding the drilling.
Moreover, Mr Lakkotrypis said that the
first results of the drilling in “Onasagoras#1” well are expected by December
and hoped that everything will run smoothly.
Asked about the passing of Total’s CEO
and whether that would be a possible cause of delay, he said he did not think
that the tragic event would affect the drilling programme since companies like
Total have multifaceted activities. He also said he sent a letter to the
company conveying the condolences of the Ministry, the Government and the people
of Cyprus.
Replying to another question, he said
the Ministry was in close contact with all three companies operating in the EEZ
of the Republic of Cyprus.
Invited to say if he noticed a
suspension of interest on behalf of these companies following the Turkish
provocations, Mr Lakkotrypis said the companies are used to operating under
difficult conditions, political and otherwise, and are not affected by such
developments. He also asserted: “There isn’t any problem regarding their
planning, namely, they have not been discouraged in any way. Besides, we all
know that during the licensing round and after expressing their intention to
submit a tender for operating in the blocks of the Republic of Cyprus, there
had been interventions on behalf of Turkey, which the companies ignored”.
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