Nicosia: A project connecting Cyprus and Greece with electricity, known as the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), will proceed as planned according to the company’s schedule, Greek Government Spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis has stated. The project is considered one of common interest for the European Union.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Marinakis, in an interview with “Politis” newspaper, emphasized that there has been no deviation from the project’s implementation timeline, either on the part of Greece or the EU. He reiterated that the project would move forward at the appropriate time, considering all necessary technical details.
Addressing the Cyprus problem, Marinakis stressed that resolving this issue remains a top priority in Greek foreign policy. He underlined Greece’s longstanding support for the reunification of Cyprus, advocating for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, single sovereignty, international personality, and citizenship, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolutions
.
Marinakis noted that improved relations between Greece and Turkey have fostered better conditions for progress on the Cyprus issue. He highlighted several recent developments, including an informal meeting in Geneva, the reappointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar as the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Cyprus, and meetings between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar.
The spokesperson criticized the Turkish Cypriot leadership’s rhetoric about a “two-state solution,” labeling it unproductive and unacceptable for reaching a viable and just resolution to the Cyprus problem. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has remained elusive, with the latest negotiations in 2017 ending without agreement.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced plans for an informal meeting on Cyprus later this month. This follows a similar meeting in Geneva in March, w
here both sides agreed to several initiatives, including opening crossing points and establishing a Technical Committee on Youth.
Guterres appointed María Angela Holguín Cuéllar as his personal envoy on Cyprus, with a mandate to engage with the parties and advise on next steps. Additionally, Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, was designated as Special Envoy for Cyprus by the European Commission to support the settlement process, working closely with Holguín.