N. Lygeros (OPUS)
Translated from the Greek [1] by Evi Charitidou
As a mental schema the Cypriot EEZ strategic example is simple, but not
simplistic. Cyprus is an island and constitutes an isolated energy
system, unless it takes advantage of its EEZ. Moreover, it has a high
degree of energy dependency and, consequently, importing energy is very
costly. Thus, these analyses are clear: energy is indispensable for the
island and cost of imported energy constitutes an obstacle to the
island’s growth.
These given were very thoughtfully analyzed by Solonas
Kassinis, who managed to turn them into arguments for promoting the
Cypriot EEZ exploitation few years ago. In other words, he displayed the
fact that extraction research in the EEZ was an one-way road for
Cyprus’s future growth. Many might have scoffed him then for what he had
been saying, but history only few years later proved his thought’s
strategic depth. In addition, we have to combine this problematic with
earlier strategic given concerning the island, such as the position of
the island in Eastern Mediterranean, the largest island of the region,
the crossroads as energy hub and, of course, the EU membership. In total
examining these given shows us how rational the agreements with Egypt,
Lebanon and Israel had been. The same holds for the licensing rounds.
And, of course, all this has practically started with Cypriot EEZ
proclamation. If we evaluate the entire effort, we realize that this
constitutes a triple economy. More specifically, Cyprus limits its
dependency; it, thus, creates liquidity to make strategic investment on
natural gas, it produces its own natural gas and creates employment for
its own people; and all this in a European framework. In this way it
secures its national rights. If we think that the whole strategy is
deployed while Cyprus being under occupation, with refugees, entrapped
and missing people, then it becomes absolutely comprehensible that the
entire endeavor constitutes a national excess vindicated by time. In no
way has Cyprus offended anyone, neither has it violated any human
rights. This is the reason why we consider that its strategy on this
sector sets an example to Greece. Greek EEZ proclamation supports the
entire effort and opens the way for our country, too. And all this again
takes place in a clearly European framework. For, in any case, these
two EEZs de facto and de jure belong to the broader European EEZ, which
is the largest EEZ in the world. So, this is our action field, as long
as we activate it.
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