Erhurman Criticises GSI Project, Proposes Cyprus–Turkey–Greece Electricity Link

Erhurman noted that the undersea cable planned for the project has been tested for functionality at depths of around 3,000 metres and said the project has long been debated from both economic and political perspectives.

He said numerous studies suggest the project is not economically viable but noted that the European Union continues to support it.

Erhurman added that for about three years the Turkish Cypriot side has been presenting an alternative model to international interlocutors.

“For three years we have been explaining to all our counterparts that what is correct both economically and politically — what common sense requires — is for this connection to be established between Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece,” he said.

Erhurman stressed that such projects should contribute to a settlement of the Cyprus issue and said the European Union must ultimately make a choice in this regard.

“As the EU continues to say it wants a solution in Cyprus, it must decide whether to support a project that could contribute to a settlement through mutual interdependence or one that could further complicate matters,” he said.

He added that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue to express these views in international forums, saying they will keep explaining the proposal in line with what he described as the community’s commitment to a settlement.