No decisions have been taken regarding a second round of licensing for explorations and exploitation of natural gas reserves potentially located within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC), Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou, has said today.

In statements to the press, Stephanou described the issue as a very sensitive one, which has political, economic, legal and technical aspects and implications, as well as aspects related to national security.

Stephanou noted that the Government evaluates all data and takes decisions according to the law during the process of implementation of its plans in relationto the natural gas issue.

Stephanou said that Public Gas Corporation (DEFA) has been handling the issue of natural gas since 2007. DEFA presented its proposal last year. The Spokesman said that Cyprus President Demetris Christofias had then requested that the political parties had been briefed on this proposal and give their own opinion about it.