We await the President’s response to AKEL’s proposal

Statement by Eleni Mavrou, member of the AKEL Political Bureau on energy and the Cyprus problem

10 June 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry Giorgos Papanastasiou reiterated in his intervention at an “Economist” conference yesterday that according to the existing situation it is not realistic to consider Cyprus as an energy hub.

The criticism of the barren decade of the Anastasiades government on energy issues is not new. As AKEL we have repeatedly denounced that for ten years we have been listening to empty talk but, unfortunately, very little has been done and some of it in the wrong direction. Society and the country are paying the price for the result of this policy.

Quick decisions and actions are demanded from the current government to address today’s challenges. AKEL is ready to help in this direction.

Mr. Papanastasiou also spoke about the exploitation of Cyprus’ natural wealth in a way that will contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

We cannot but agree with this approach. Besides, AKEL has submitted a very specific proposal to the former President and has re-submitted it to the current President, through the National Council, focusing on how energy can be the positive agenda, provide the necessary incentive and unleash the dynamics of a resumption of the dialogue.

This proposal has received a positive response from the UN and the EU, the international community at large.

We await the President’s response to it.