Greek FM on Great Sea Interconnector (GSI)

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis addressed the Greece–Cyprus Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), Greek-Turkish relations, the possibility of taking disputes to the International Court of Justice, and broader global geopolitical developments during the OT Forum, held alongside the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair.

Speaking with journalists Eleni Stergiou (ot.gr), Alexandra Fotaki (in.gr), and Giannis Baskakis, Gerapetritis reiterated Athens’ firm support for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) electricity cable project. “The Greek government, the prime minister, and ministers have repeatedly expressed our support for this project,” he said.

He called the interconnection an extremely important project, stressing that it is self-evident that Cyprus must also back it without hesitation, as it primarily concerns the island.

Gerapetritis acknowledged that financial viability is a prerequisite. “If there are issues raised on economic sustainability, backed by studies, this is indeed a matter to be addressed,” he said.

Asked if Athens had been caught off guard by recent developments, he said that Greece was unaware of the issue with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which the Cypriot side brought up.

“It has been clarified that it does not concern the current management of the project, but rather its handling before IPTO [the Independent Power Transmission Operator] assumed responsibility,” he said.

Energy hub strategy

The foreign minister underscored Greece’s growing role as a European energy hub. “Over the past six years, Greece has become a European energy hub, with major interconnection projects underway in the Aegean, the northern Aegean, and the Dodecanese. We have completed the Greece–Crete link and established the Greece–Egypt interconnection, both of which are of major geostrategic importance. At this moment, Greece has a broad strategic energy plan. The Greece–Cyprus power interconnection is mutually desirable,” he said.

Turkey’s reaction

Commenting on Ankara’s opposition, Gerapetritis stressed that the project is protected under international law and is not just a bilateral undertaking. “This is a European project. Other EU member states are involved—not only Greece and Cyprus, but also France and Italy,” he said.

He rejected any suggestion that Turkish objections could derail the initiative. “Let me be absolutely clear: this project will never stop because of Turkey’s reactions. There is no room for doubt on this. When it comes to defending national rights and sovereign entitlements, there are no second thoughts,” he said. He added that if such doubts existed, Greece would not have proceeded with offshore block tenders, spatial planning, or marine parks.

Source: tovima.com