The visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Athens was particularly important and carried strong messages, within the framework of US–Greek bilateral relations and the 6th Strategic Dialogue, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Thursday.
Speaking after President Nikos Christodoulides briefed EDEK, DIKO and the Ecologists on the Cyprus issue, Letymbiotis said Mr Rubio’s remarks highlighted the importance of the Cyprus–Greece–Israel electricity interconnection and the energy role that the region, the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Greece could play.
Cyprus 'top of the agenda'
The Spokesperson also noted that the US Secretary of State emphasised diplomacy and the GSI electricity interconnection project. The United States is an important partner of the Republic of Cyprus, with which contacts have intensified in recent years, and one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, he said. The US position on the Cyprus issue is declared and stable, he added, referring to Rubio’s recent message on the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus.
Asked whether the government had received additional information, Letymbiotis said President Christodoulides might speak with the Greek Prime Minister on Thursday. A European Council meeting is scheduled for next week, where Christodoulides and Mitsotakis will meet, as will the two foreign ministers at the Council of Ministers.
Asked whether the government had requested that a message be conveyed to Rubio regarding the Cyprus issue and energy matters, the Government Spokesperson said the Cyprus issue is always at the top of the agenda and that the policies of Athens and Nicosia are fully aligned. He described US support and the strengthening of efforts on the Cyprus issue as important.
Energy deal
On energy matters, he referred to the recent 3+1 Summit in Houston, attended by the energy ministers of Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States, the presence of major US companies in Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone, and projects of common interest such as the Cyprus–Greece electricity interconnection.
Commenting on reports in Greek media about the possibility of France informing Turkey about the GSI, following a meeting of the leaders of Cyprus, Greece and France, Letymbiotis said the Republic of Cyprus was aware of the plans being considered by the French and Greek governments and the implementing body. The plans are moving forward with respect for Cyprus’s sovereign rights, he said, adding that this had not been subject to negotiation.
Asked whether Turkey would be informed, he replied that he could not comment on media reports. He said the project would proceed in accordance with international law, the law of the sea and respect for the sovereignty of states.
Source: CNA
