There is no conflict with the Greek government regarding the GSI project, President Nikos Christodoulides has said, expressing the need for the implementation of the commitments undertaken by the IPTO, Greece's Independent Power Transmission Operator.
Speaking on 3 September, he added that he had been informed that afternoon by the Law Office that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is launching an investigation into possible criminal offenses regarding the project.
President Christodoulides was answering to questions by the press as to what is the government's position on the issue. He said that Nicosia has a clear position, that this project is of strategic importance and its viability depends on the implementation of commitments undertaken by IPTO. "We expect the implementation of these specific commitments,” he said.
He added that the Law Office was informed by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) that following various complaints that have been made for some time and have been investigated, it has decided to open an investigation for possible criminal offenses in relation to this project.
Christodoulides said that EPPO did not clarify who these possible offences concern.
The President pointed out that the government wants no shadow to fall on Cyprus' credibility or reputation and there is absolutely no room for discussion on this issue.
Replying to another question, he said that there is no conflict with the Greek government, adding that there are certain obligations that IPTO has undertaken and for the project to be viable, these obligations must be implemented.
Asked whether responsibilities will be attributed for the LNG terminal project at Vasiliko, the President reiterated that an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is underway for that project as well.
He added that the government also awaits a report by the company that has undertaken its creation.
The President noted that the two investigations by the European Public Prosecutor's Office, on the GSI and on Vassiliko are causing delays in the implementation of the projects. He also said that the reputation and the credibility of Cyprus is paramount and no one has the right to jeopardise them.
(Source: CNA)
