Averof and Annita lock horns over interconnector

Disy leader Annita Demetriou and her predecessor Averof Neophytou on Friday exchanged differing opinions over the Great Sea Interconnector.

Appearing on CyBC just minutes apart, Neophytou first on the radio and Demetriou shortly after on television, they offered differing outlooks on the project, which, if completed will connect the electricity grids of Cyprus and Israel to Greece and the rest of European Union.

Neophytou said that while the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, “no energy project will be completed in Cyprus.”

Instead, he said, “we will produce nice energy stories, as has been demonstrated throughout the course of recent years.”

He added that “no reliable research so far has shown that when the project is completed, the Cypriot consumer will pay cheaper tariffs for their energy.”

Additionally, he touched on the matter of “geopolitical risk”, which has become one of the main themes of discussions regarding the project.

Admie had sought reassurances that should anything occur beyond its control which would hinder the interconnector project, it would be able to recover the investments it had made up to that point, with Neophytou saying he had expected the Greek government to provide this guarantee.

He added that the Greek government “should have clarified that if Turkey interfered, Greece would have something to say about it.”

Demetriou then responded in kind minutes later, asking whether “any far-reaching plans should not be made due to the Turkish occupation.”

“Everyone has the right to express their opinions, but Disy’s position is positive towards the project,” she said.

On the matter of geopolitical risk, she said, “Greece is Cyprus’ strongest ally” and that the questions raised on the matter “must be included in the discussion of the negotiating framework”.

She also issued a warning that “everyone must take on their role, and it is important that we do not come out after the fact, and that we say what we believe.”

The government is set to hold a meeting with the interconnector project’s various stakeholders on Tuesday, before coming to a final decision on the matter.

The Cyprus News Agency reported that a cabinet meeting will be held after Tuesday’s meeting.