Cyprus Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Natasa Pilides has said that there is no discussion for further postponement of the operations of companies in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
She was invited after a meeting she had with Democratic Rally (DISY) party leader Averof Neofytou to comment on information for delays by the companies conducting exploratory offshore drilling operations, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pilides recalled that there has already been a postponement of the companies’ operations in the Cypriot EEZ approximately for a year, noting that there is no discussion for further postponement.
She also said that during the teleconference on Monday of the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades with the CEOs of Chevron and Noble Energy, in which she participated as well, “they assured us that everything runs smoothly and if the situation continues to be manageable we will proceed with the programmes as has been agreed. We have also contacted and spoken with the other companies and we hope that the pandemic will be addressed in such a way that no other postponement will be needed,” she added.
She also stressed that “we continue our energy plans as they have been scheduled.”