The position that the Greece-Cyprus power interconnection – Cyprus will proceed without requesting permission from Turkey and without making concessions on the matter was stated by Greek Government Spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis.
Speaking on Friday on Open TV, Mr. Marinakis clarified that regarding the Crete–Cyprus power interconnection, the licensing process is already underway by the Greek authorities and that there is no question of another country interfering. As he said, “There is no issue regarding a permit, a permit application, or a licensing process involving any state other than the Greek state.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Responding to related media reports, Mr. Marinakis emphasized that a clear distinction must be made between notification and licensing. Notification, as he explained, is a procedure followed by the company in such projects and does not produce any legal effects. In contrast, he said, an application for a permit is of a different nature. Mr. Marinakis also ruled out the possibility that France would undertake any licensing process, whether formal or informal, vis-à-vis Turkey. “Greece does not allow its strategy or its policy to be dictated by others,” he said, adding that the project will be implemented in accordance with international law and the planned timeline.
The Greek Government Spokesperson was also asked whether Athens is prepared to respond on the ground in the event of further Turkish obstruction. He did not describe specific actions, but he assured that “whatever needs to be done will be done to move the project forward without any concessions.”
Pavlos Marinakis also rejected accusations of being too accommodating toward Ankara. To support his position, he cited the extension of Greek territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Ionian Sea, the agreements on the delimitation of maritime zones with Italy and Egypt, as well as maritime spatial planning.
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Source: CNA
