Egypt and Lebanon have not reneged on oil agreements

Egypt and Lebanon have not reneged on the agreements they have signed with the Republic of Cyprus research and hydrocarbon exploitation in the sea area of Cyprus, Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes has assured.

Invited to comment on Turkey’s stance and the statements made by Turkish politicians on the oil issue, Pashiardes said that “there is no back – out on behalf of Egypt or Lebanon regarding the agreements we have signed with these countries”.

In statements during his daily briefing, Pashiardes said that if the pseudostate in Turkish occupied Cyprus, “which has no territorial waters or continental shelf, begins to exploit any reserves, this act will constitute another illegality that will be added to other such illegalities, which have been committed so far”.

“The territorial waters and the continental shelf belong to the legal Republic of Cyprus”, he stressed.

Regarding the European Union’s stance on the issue, he described it as positive, since the EU “refers to the respect of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and to its inalienable right to sign agreements with any state on any issue”.

Referring to the opening up of tenders for research and hydrocarbon exploitation, he reiterated that the first round for the submission of applications will begin on February 15th and end on July 16th.

He noted that the whole procedure is expected to be concluded by Autumn.

Pashiardes was asked whether the government is examining the possibility to amend the legislation on tenders, so that the government could choose the company to explore and exploit gas and oil reserves. He replied negatively, saying that the procedure regarding tenders will be followed according to the law.

Asked if the government of Cyprus has a clear view regarding the US stance on the oil issue, the Spokesman said that “surely, the US, like any other country, does not question the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereign rights”.

Asked whether the government is concerned over the forthcoming meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and the US, he replied negatively.

“In principle, we are not concerned by any meetings of the Turkish Foreign Minister. Secondly regardless of any discussion he may have in the US on the oil issue, we will not change our position and decision to proceed as scheduled”, he noted.

The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has signed agreements with Egypt and Lebanon regarding the determination of their exclusive economic zones in the Mediterranean.