The French group Meridiam, which has acquired a majority stake in the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project, is taking on a central role in a formula being developed by Athens, Paris and Nicosia to overcome objections raised by Turkey, which is seeking a say in and approval of the project before work proceeds.
Under a plan currently under discussion, and whose details are expected to be finalized soon, Meridiam would send a letter to countries in the region before construction resumes, including Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. The letter would inform them about the work required to complete the project.
The thinking behind the move is that Turkey would receive advance information about how the work is expected to unfold. It remains unclear, however, whether Ankara will accept the arrangement and consider that it addresses the conditions it has brought to the forefront.
According to remarks reported by journalist Manolis Kostidis, Turkey’s position is that “when activities are planned in maritime areas over which it maintains sovereign rights and jurisdiction, the flag state of the vessels involved should communicate with Turkey.” The statement makes explicit reference to notification by a state authority.
