Nicosia: The Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project, known as GSI, is entering a 'decisive phase towards its implementation,' according to Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Government Spokesman of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis spoke to Greek OPEN television about the latest developments surrounding the Great Sea Interconnector. He highlighted the significance of the participation of a French company in the project, noting that the new developments strengthen not only the technical aspect of the electricity interconnection but also its geopolitical and diplomatic significance.
When asked whether French participation reduces the project's geopolitical risk, Letymbiotis emphasized that it enhances the diplomatic leverage of both Greece and Cyprus. 'France's involvement further strengthens, I believe, the diplomatic leverage that we have as the Republic of Cyprus and Greece, together with France and the European Union,' he stated.
The Cypriot Government Spokesman also emphasized the European character of the electricity interconnection, noting that it is not a project concerning Greece and Cyprus alone. He stressed that it is a project of common European interest and that the European Commission has placed it high on its list of priorities for the EU's energy interconnectivity.
Letymbiotis confirmed reports of communications between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and French President Emmanuel Macron. He explained that contacts took place both before the official announcement of the French participation and in recent days, aiming to ensure 'coordination at the highest political level' on a project that is a priority for both Greece and Cyprus.
Regarding potential Turkish reactions when survey activities begin, Letymbiotis refrained from forecasting developments, stressing that Athens and Nicosia would first allow room for diplomacy. However, he emphasized that the Republic of Cyprus would neither call its sovereign rights into question nor tolerate any challenge to them.
On the financial aspects of the Great Sea Interconnector, Letymbiotis mentioned that Greece and Cyprus have jointly approached the European Investment Bank to update the project's technical and financial data. He estimated that the relevant updated studies would be available soon, providing a more complete picture of the project's progress.