Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis has said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Athens was undoubtedly a very important one that sent strong messages, and is part of US-Greece bilateral relations, within the framework of the 6th strategic dialogue.
Regarding Rubio’s contacts in Greece on Wednesday, Letymbiotis said that there were strong references and that the messages sent were clear, “as regards the importance of the Cyprus – Greece – Israel electrical interconnection and the importance that (the US) attaches more broadly to the energy role that our region, the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Greece in this case, can play.”
Letymbiotis was replying to journalists’ questions after a meeting President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, held with the party leaders of the Democratic Alignment (DEPA), of EDEK Socialist Party, and the Vice-Presidents of the Cyprus Greens – Citizens’ Cooperation, whom he briefed on the developments regarding the Cyprus problem.
The Spokesman noted Rubio’s reference to the importance of diplomacy and the importance of the GSI electrical interconnection project. The US, he said, is an important partner with which the Republic of Cyprus has intensified contacts in recent years and at the same time one of the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council. The US position on the Cyprus issue is a firm one, he noted and referred to the recent message of the US Secretary of State on the occasion of Cyprus’ Independece Day.
Asked whether the government will be informed, Letymbiotis said that President Christodoulides may have contact with the Greek Prime Minister on Thursday and recalled that next week there is a scheduled European Council Summit where the two leaders will take part, as well as an EU Ministerial Meeting where the two Foreign Ministers will meet.
Invited to say whether the government of Cyprus had requested anything to be conveyed to the US Foreign Secretary in relation to the Cyprus issue and energy, Letymbiotis said that the Cyprus issue is always at the top of the agenda and that the policy between Athens and Nicosia is completely aligned on this. US support and the strengthening of efforts on the Cyprus issue are of great importance, he pointed out.
Regarding energy, he referred to the recent 3+1 Summit in Houston, with the participation of the Ministers of Energy of Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the US, as well as the presence of American giants in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone, but also to projects of common interest such as the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection.
Invited to comment on reports in Greek media, on the occasion of yesterday’s meeting of the leaders of Cyprus, Greece and France, regarding a French formula for informing Turkey about the GSI, the Spokesperson said that the Republic of Cyprus is a party to the plans that are before the French and Greek Governments and the implementing body.
“Always with respect for our sovereign rights. And this is something that was not even put up for negotiation” he said, adding that plans move forward as scheduled.
Asked if Turkey will be informed, he said that he can not comment on reports. The planning, he said, will proceed in accordance with international law, the law of the sea and with respect for the sovereignty of states.
Meanwhile, invited to comment on Turkey’s new Navtex for vessel Oruc Reis, the Government Spokesman said that Turkey disregards international law, adding that international law is what sets the boundaries not only in the Eastern Mediterranean, but in the entire world. “Based on this, we will continue to move forward and claim the obvious”, he continued.
Letymbiotis said that Cyprus, in the midst of a region full of challenges, has proven many times especially in the last three years, its role of stability, “a role that we can play with all neighboring states in the region except Turkey due to its protracted actions and provocative actions.”