The government is reviewing the issue of free energy supply to Turkish Cypriots, vis-a-vis the rising costs which incur for the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) from this practice, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said today.

Commenting on reports in today’s Press, Stephanou explained that all Cypriot governments have supplied the areas under Turkish occupation with free electricity for political reasons, a practice which continued until the mid 90’s.

He added that the issue now concerns the community of Pyla, a village with mixed population, situated within the UN-controlled buffer zone, separating the northern Turkish occupied areas from the southern government controlled part of the country, as well as some other parts in the occupied areas.

“All governments realizing the political sensitivity of the matter have supplied electricity” Stephanou noted.

He added that the area of Pyla is now developing rapidly, a factor which impacts on the increased energy cost for the EAC.

Stephanou said a competent Ministerial Committee convened twice to discuss the matter, bearing in mind the relevant letter that the EAC has sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The review of the matter has not been concluded yet, Stephanou went on, adding that any future solutions will bear in mind past political circumstances that led to this decision.

Asked if there are cases of exploitation, Stephanou said there were “several distortions, from which various people where benefiting”.

We take the matter into consideration with the necessary political sensitivity, in order to find solutions to the issues raised by the EAC, the Government Spokesman said.

He finally noted that the Republic of Cyprus is not providing electricity to outposts of the Turkish occupation army.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.