Commenting on criticism voiced earlier by his predecessor Neoklis Sylikiotis, Lakkotrypis said that “the strategy for exploiting our natural gas reserves remains focused on constructing the liquefaction terminal.” He conceded that “we are slightly off course over the past six weeks due to the internal crisis”, but clarified that “under no circumstances does that change our planning, which originates from the President.”

Lakkotrypis said that the consultations with Noble have “proceeded to a great extent”, and added that the new cabinet, created in the wake of DIKO’s withdrawal from the ruling coalition, will be called on to make very important decisions.“As soon as a new cabinet has been installed, decisions will be made both regarding the liquefaction terminal and the hydrocarbons company.”

Although he conceded that the ministry is looking into alternatives, Lakkotrypis denied that a gas pipeline to Turkey is an option. “I must stress that a pipeline to Turkey is not on the table, because without a solution to the Cyprus problem it cannot be examined,” he said.

Source: Cyprus Mail