Cypriot Energy Minister Attends Positive D.C. Meetings

This week he has attended meetings with the U.S. State Department's Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs leading the Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Amos Hochstein and informed U.S. Congressional delegates on Cypriot and Mediterranean energy matters.

The Minister described his positive interactions, "We have explained how we proceed and the collaboration we are trying to promote mainly between Cyprus, Egypt and Israel for natural gas," according to Parikiaki.

Lakkotrypis also discussed oil prices and investments, "but if projects like the ones we are currently debating are viable and competitive, investment should not be an issue."  The Cypriot Energy Minister also voiced his optimism that UN-authorized discussions will resume with Turkey and Turkish-Cypriots, that were previously halted due to Turkey's illegal EEZ activity.

Minister Lakkotrypis is scheduled to meet with Noble Energy heads, the American-Israeli Committee (AIPAC) and the American Jewish Committee (AJC). The Cypriot Minister also stated that an agreement with TOTAL company will be authorized by next week, to execute geological seismic analyses.

The Cypriot Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry & Tourism George Lakkotrypis commented, "Essentially (the agreement) is locked and tomorrow we expect a report from the Cabinet for the agreement to proceed with the company."

(Source: Parikiaki)