Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou
Dangerous illusions mustn’t be cultivated that Cyprus will become all-powerful and speak from a position of strength
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 16th January 2020, Nicosia

On the occasion of the EastMed Gas Forum meeting in Cairo, AKEL stresses that regional co-operation between states of the region, based on international law and the promotion of peace, is the path that can lead to a new page for our troubled region. The message is correctly conveyed that these cooperations are open to all states of the region, including Turkey, provided of course that it respects international law, and in particular, the UN Law of the Sea and the sovereign rights of its neighboring states.
AKEL’s position was and remains that energy planning and the utilization of our country’s natural wealth must be incorporated in the primary goal which is the solution of the Cyprus problem, the liberation and reunification of our country and people. The solution of the Cyprus problem will not only represent a vindication of our people, but will also make a substantial contribution to peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Dangerous illusions mustn’t be cultivated that by exploiting the natural gas Cyprus will become all-powerful and speak from a position of strength. The interests of our people and the whole region are not served by the escalation of tension that Turkey is provoking through its illegal actions. They are served by de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, aiming at resolving the region’s open wounds on the basis of international law.

Without a solution of the Cyprus problem, we will unfortunately be constantly facing Turkey before us, provoking and issuing threats. The solution of the Cyprus problem will resolve the issues in relation to the natural gas issues between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriots. Besides relative convergences exist that were recorded in the negotiations. The solution of the Cyprus problem will enable the unhindered implementation of existing energy planning and create prospects for resolving the issue of the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone between Cyprus and Turkey.

Leave a Reply