Energy line tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue

Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stated that the subsea energy project connecting Israel to Europe is being blocked by Ankara and that Turkey's rhetoric is contradictory.

Allegations of Obstruction to the Energy Project

Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos argued in statements at the UN General Assembly that Turkey is blocking a major energy project with its maritime jurisdiction claims in the Eastern Mediterranean.

It was stated that the project in question is the Great Sea Interconnector, valued at approximately 1.9 billion euros, which aims to connect Israel via Cyprus to Greece and from there to Europe's electricity grid.

Details of the Billion-Dollar Electricity Connection

The planned subsea cable project is envisioned to carry a capacity of up to one thousand megawatts and cover a distance of more than 1,200 kilometers.

It was noted that the European Union has committed significant financial support to this project, which aims to end the isolation of Cyprus's electricity system.

Criticisms from the UN Podium

Kombos stated that they listened to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's speech at the UN and found this address contradictory and provocative.

Arguing that there is a distinct gap between rhetoric and action, the Greek Cypriot official emphasized that international law norms cannot be challenged and ignored.

The Division on the Island of Cyprus

It was recalled that the island has been divided since 1974 as a result of a coup supported by the Greek junta and the subsequent Turkish military intervention.

While the Greek Cypriot side desires for negotiations to resume from where they broke off in 2017, it was stated that the progress of the process largely depends on Ankara's stance.