The Republic of Cyprus is "absolutely committed" to the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection project via a subsea cable, known as GSI, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has said.
The President, who was replying to journalists' questions on the sidelines of his visit to Paralimni High School in view of the beginning of the school year, had been asked to comment on statements made by Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis on 7 September that, in order for the project to be completed, the Republic of Cyprus should first prove in practice that this is what it wants, something which he believes would happen.
"I reiterate yet again, so that it can be heard in Cyprus, Greece, Brussels, wherever there is interest on the matter: the Republic of Cyprus is absolutely committed to this project of geostrategic importance," he stressed.
President Christodoulides gave an example, which as he said, proves the government's political commitment, referring to the fact that together with Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos, he visited the United Arab Emirates and met with the country's President in order to discuss the matter "and to look into the possibility, through a partnership between the two countries, to invest in other areas which are also related to the specific project."
He further said that Cyprus and Greece have undertaken certain commitments concerning the specific project.
"I can speak about the Republic of Cyprus and I can publicly say that the Republic of Cyprus will meet the commitments it has undertaken," he pointed out. "I hope all parties involved will fulfill their commitments," he added.
President Christodoulides underlined that the matter is also related to matters of national sovereignty. He noted that public discourse on the issue is not helpful and added that no matter how much he is provoked, "I will not endanger or place under question the Republic of Cyprus' national interests through public statements."
(Source: CNA)
