Addressing the newly elected board of directors of the Chamber of Electrical Engineers, President Derviş Eroğlu said that energy issues were important for both the TRNC and South Cyprus. He said that lasting state policies were needed for these issues, ‘Kibris Postasi’ reports.
“The Cyprus Turkish Side has a share in any hydrocarbons to be extracted in the Mediterranean”, said Eroğlu, pointing out that the interest of the US, Israel and other neighbouring countries on the energy issue was growing every passing day.
Eroğlu said that the negotiations process was continuing despite involuntary occurrences such as the recent illness of the Greek Cypriot President Anastasiades.
Stating that the Cyprus Turkish side was working hard for a lasting and viable solution to the Cyprus Problem, the President said that he supported the idea of creating state policies for energy and electricity related issues.
Pointing out that the energy issue was not on the negotiating table; Eroğlu said that the importance of this issue for both sides was undeniable.
He also reminded that the Turkish Cypriot Side had an equal right or share on any hydrocarbons to be extracted off the coast of the island and added that two proposals had been made on the issue in the presence of the United Nations.
Also speaking, the President of the Chamber of Electrical Engineers Mert Girgin expressed full support to President Derviş Eroğlu in the ongoing negotiations process.
Girgin also pointed out that the power grids on both sides of the island could function better if they were interconnected.
He said that this issue should be included as a confidence building measure in the talks.
Girgin also underlined the need for the establishment of a state policy on energy and issues related to electricity.
