GAS: ENI determined to carry on with drilling, says Energy Minister

Speaking to the press Monday and invited to comment on reports that Turkey has made an intervention to the Italian government regarding the drilling in the island`s EEZ, the Minister said that the government is in constant contact with Italy. He pointed out that the Cyprus Republic has signed agreements with companies following international competitions, unlike Turkey which is acting against the international law.

Replying to another question, the Minister said that there are contacts with the Italian government on an every day level, via the diplomatic route.
He recalled that recently he briefed the Italian Presidency of the Council of the EU on Turkish provocations, adding that the level of relations is very good.

Lakkotrypis said that Cyprus is exercising its sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone, adding that the drilling by ENI/KOGAS is expected to last at least 12 months.

He also pointed out the role the Eastern Mediterranean can play as an alternative source of energy supply and route, contributing to the EU’s energy security.

ENI/KOGAS consortium is operating within offshore block 9 at the `Onasagoras` reservoir.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey issued recently a NAVTEX (Navigational Telex), a notice to mariners advising that it was reserving areas south of Cyprus for seismic surveys from October 20 to December 30.