Papandreou and Christofias open to working together if reserve reports are accurate
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_ar ... 011_376564
Following a meeting in Athens, Prime Minister George Papandreou and Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias have suggested that the two countries could cooperate on the exploitation of what are thought to be substantial reserves of natural gas.
“Greece and Cyprus have converging interests, including in the energy sector,” Papandreou told journalists. “As in all matters, we are coordinating closely on the issue of delineating sea zones.
“A lot is being written about what there is underground but we will have to wait for more details on this and any developments will follow the process that has been set up between Greece and Cyprus.”
Solon Kassinis, the head of the energy department at Cyprus’s Commerce Ministry, said last month that there are indications of some 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas deposits beneath the seabed in the island's waters near Israel's giant Tamar and Leviathan gas fields.
“The facts have changed dramatically… and Cyprus could begin exploiting its natural gas reserves in the area in three to five years, much sooner than anticipated or planned,” said Kassinis, who produced a study last month that reportedly urged the Cypriot government to concentrate on exploiting the country’s own natural resources rather than a possible long-term deal to import liquefied natural gas.
However, Turkey objects to Nicosia exploring in Cyprus's 51,000-square kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which lies south of the island.
Christofias told reporters after his meeting with Papandreou that Cypriots and Greeks had to be careful not to get carried away with the idea of tapping into gas reserves.
“We are coordinating daily [with Greece] but I want to pause for a moment to stress the seriousness with which we should approach the issue because we have a tendency to overreact, which is one of our characteristics,” said the Cypriot president.
“We have to be sure about what [reserves] exist and we have to be sure about the actions that we may take.”
Papandreou and Christofias also discussed the contents of the latter’s talks in Geneva last week with Turkish-Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. In addition, they called on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots to adopt a constructive stance toward reunification talks.
The Cypriot president expressed hope that a solution to the island’s division that would be acceptable to both sides would be found by the end of the year.
ekathimerini.com , Thursday February 3, 2011 (17:59)
Greece and Cyprus ready to cooperate on gas
14 posts
• Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Greece and Cyprus ready to cooperate on gas
by Lit » Thu Feb 03, 2011 7:37 pm
- Lit
- Regular Contributor
- Posts: 2293
- Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:32 am
- Location: Right behind ya
by humanist » Thu Feb 03, 2011 9:39 pm
There is no way we will have Cypro resolution by the end of the year. The Turks have taken backward steps since they voted Eroglu in office and power. They will only move forward in 5 years when gas exploration is found because of their tendency to sponge off others 
-
humanist - Main Contributor
- Posts: 6585
- Joined: Fri Nov 10, 2006 11:46 am
Re: Greece and Cyprus ready to cooperate on gas
by Get Real! » Thu Feb 03, 2011 9:42 pm
Lit wrote:Greece and Cyprus ready to cooperate on gas
What's there to cooperate? Cyprus gas, if and when extracted is Cyprus gas and is none of Greece's business!
The useless paupers are hoping to take a bite of the pie... as if you can fool the greedy Cypriots who can smell a euro from 100Km away!
-
Get Real! - Forum Addict
- Posts: 48333
- Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:25 am
- Location: Nicosia
by boulio » Thu Feb 03, 2011 10:18 pm
the field is southwest of pafos.it falls within both the cypriot and greek EEZ(WHEN THAT IS EVER DECLARED)about 1 trillion cubic meters of natural gas at a depth of about 5 km.
http://www.defencenet.gr/defence/index. ... Itemid=141
http://www.defencenet.gr/defence/index. ... Itemid=141
- boulio
- Regular Contributor
- Posts: 2575
- Joined: Thu Dec 23, 2004 6:45 am
by Lit » Thu Feb 03, 2011 11:10 pm
CHRISTOFIAS – PAPANDREOU – MEETING
http://www.cna.org.cy/website/english/a ... 2.asp?id=1
Recent developments in the Cyprus issue following the Geneva meeting, developments in the energy field, as well as Egypt, were discussed Thursday at a meeting held in Athens between President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou.
The two sides reaffirmed their close cooperation in the Cyprus issue and in the field of energy, noting that they coordinate their policy and their initiatives.
In statements after the meeting, President Christofias stressed Athens’ firm support to Cyprus, saying that he informed the Greek Prime Minister about the recent meeting which took place in Geneva between himself, UN Secretary General Ban Ki – moon and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.
He said that at the Geneva meeting, the Greek Cypriot side expressed its good will to proceed, in an effective manner, to the achievement of a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem the soonest possible.
“A solution that will be based on the UN Security Council resolutions, the High Level Agreements, the international law and the EU acquis communautaire”, he stressed.
President Christofias went on to note that the burden to prove a good will for a political settlement in Cyprus lies on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side.
The UNSG, he said, makes an effort to help the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus to determine the cores issues in which there are still differences. He added that since the November meeting in New York, there have been some convergences in the chapter of economy, less convergences in the EU chapter and even less in the chapter of governance and power sharing.
This, he said, is due to the persistence of the Turkish side to present proposals which do not fall within the agreed basis or the UN resolutions on Cyprus.
He also referred to the Turkish Cypriot side’s persistence in refusing to discuss a linking of the issues concerning territorial adjustments, properties and the issue of the thousands of illegal Turkish settlers who are brought to the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.
Referring to the UNSG’s stance, President Christofias said he seems to support the above linking of chapters, noting the need to work with the UNSG and the international community to exert pressure on Turkey to accept that.
“This is the key to have, by our next meeting, the soonest possible, better results”, he stressed.
Moreover, President Christofias said that the Turkish side aims to lead the Cyprus talks to a deadlock, in order to ask again the UNSG to convene a four - party conference on the Cyprus issue to discuss the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem and the issue of guarantees, something, which does not fall within the SG’s mandate.
“This can not be accepted”, he said, adding that the Greek Cypriot side has all good will and is determined, provided that Turkey contributes to efforts, to proceed to the solution of the Cyprus problem by the end of the year, a solution that would be viable, functional and can be accepted by the people.
In his statements, Papandreou stressed his support towards the Cypriot government, expressing hope that the Turkish Cypriot side responds positively to the proposals of the Cypriot President so that a mutually agreed compromise can be reached, without timeframes or arbitration.
“Athens supports the struggle of the people of Cyprus for solution and reunification”, the Greek PM underlined.
The solution, he said, must be viable, just and functional and must be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as defined in the relevant UNSC decisions. He added that the solution must provide for one state with one and only sovereignty, citizenship and international personality, based on the EU principles and in full respect of the acquis communautaire.
The Greek Prime Minister stressed that the Cyprus issue is of high priority for the Greek foreign policy, adding that there can be no full normalization of the Greco-Turkish relations unless there is a solution of the Cyprus problem.
Referring to energy issues, Prime Minister Papandreou said that Greece and Cyprus have similar interests in the energy field as well as in issues concerning sea economic zones.
Athens and Nicosia, he said, are in constant coordination, closely examining developments and taking the necessary decisions and initiatives.
On his part, President Christofias stressed that it is up to the state itself to exercise its sovereign rights concerning the law of the sea.
He added that Cyprus and Greece are coordinating their efforts, noting that they have to consider everything, since each political move has also its consequences.
Commenting on recent developments in Egypt, President Christofias said that “they affect us all” and expressed the wish that there is a positive outcome for the sake of peace.
On the same issue, the Greek Prime Minister referred to the long- lasting relations between Greece and Egypt, noting that any changes in the neighboring country should take place with reliability and without violence.
The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, is divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of the Republic’s territory. UN - led talks are underway with a view to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem and reunify the country under a federal roof.
http://www.cna.org.cy/website/english/a ... 2.asp?id=1
Recent developments in the Cyprus issue following the Geneva meeting, developments in the energy field, as well as Egypt, were discussed Thursday at a meeting held in Athens between President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou.
The two sides reaffirmed their close cooperation in the Cyprus issue and in the field of energy, noting that they coordinate their policy and their initiatives.
In statements after the meeting, President Christofias stressed Athens’ firm support to Cyprus, saying that he informed the Greek Prime Minister about the recent meeting which took place in Geneva between himself, UN Secretary General Ban Ki – moon and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.
He said that at the Geneva meeting, the Greek Cypriot side expressed its good will to proceed, in an effective manner, to the achievement of a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem the soonest possible.
“A solution that will be based on the UN Security Council resolutions, the High Level Agreements, the international law and the EU acquis communautaire”, he stressed.
President Christofias went on to note that the burden to prove a good will for a political settlement in Cyprus lies on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side.
The UNSG, he said, makes an effort to help the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus to determine the cores issues in which there are still differences. He added that since the November meeting in New York, there have been some convergences in the chapter of economy, less convergences in the EU chapter and even less in the chapter of governance and power sharing.
This, he said, is due to the persistence of the Turkish side to present proposals which do not fall within the agreed basis or the UN resolutions on Cyprus.
He also referred to the Turkish Cypriot side’s persistence in refusing to discuss a linking of the issues concerning territorial adjustments, properties and the issue of the thousands of illegal Turkish settlers who are brought to the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.
Referring to the UNSG’s stance, President Christofias said he seems to support the above linking of chapters, noting the need to work with the UNSG and the international community to exert pressure on Turkey to accept that.
“This is the key to have, by our next meeting, the soonest possible, better results”, he stressed.
Moreover, President Christofias said that the Turkish side aims to lead the Cyprus talks to a deadlock, in order to ask again the UNSG to convene a four - party conference on the Cyprus issue to discuss the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem and the issue of guarantees, something, which does not fall within the SG’s mandate.
“This can not be accepted”, he said, adding that the Greek Cypriot side has all good will and is determined, provided that Turkey contributes to efforts, to proceed to the solution of the Cyprus problem by the end of the year, a solution that would be viable, functional and can be accepted by the people.
In his statements, Papandreou stressed his support towards the Cypriot government, expressing hope that the Turkish Cypriot side responds positively to the proposals of the Cypriot President so that a mutually agreed compromise can be reached, without timeframes or arbitration.
“Athens supports the struggle of the people of Cyprus for solution and reunification”, the Greek PM underlined.
The solution, he said, must be viable, just and functional and must be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as defined in the relevant UNSC decisions. He added that the solution must provide for one state with one and only sovereignty, citizenship and international personality, based on the EU principles and in full respect of the acquis communautaire.
The Greek Prime Minister stressed that the Cyprus issue is of high priority for the Greek foreign policy, adding that there can be no full normalization of the Greco-Turkish relations unless there is a solution of the Cyprus problem.
Referring to energy issues, Prime Minister Papandreou said that Greece and Cyprus have similar interests in the energy field as well as in issues concerning sea economic zones.
Athens and Nicosia, he said, are in constant coordination, closely examining developments and taking the necessary decisions and initiatives.
On his part, President Christofias stressed that it is up to the state itself to exercise its sovereign rights concerning the law of the sea.
He added that Cyprus and Greece are coordinating their efforts, noting that they have to consider everything, since each political move has also its consequences.
Commenting on recent developments in Egypt, President Christofias said that “they affect us all” and expressed the wish that there is a positive outcome for the sake of peace.
On the same issue, the Greek Prime Minister referred to the long- lasting relations between Greece and Egypt, noting that any changes in the neighboring country should take place with reliability and without violence.
The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, is divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of the Republic’s territory. UN - led talks are underway with a view to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem and reunify the country under a federal roof.
- Lit
- Regular Contributor
- Posts: 2293
- Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:32 am
- Location: Right behind ya
14 posts
• Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests
© 2002 - 2015 Cyprus-Forum.com
