Greece rejects Turkish claims over Greece-Cyprus GSI cable project

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Tassos Hatzivasileiou has stated that, under international law, no permission is required from Turkey for the planned GSI cable project connecting Greece and Cyprus. He emphasized that the project is a peaceful infrastructure initiative intended to link Europe with the Middle East energetically.

The announcement follows claims from Turkish sources suggesting that any research or cable-laying activities in maritime areas where Turkey claims sovereign rights should involve diplomatic communication and coordination with Ankara to avoid conflict. Hatzivasileiou dismissed these claims, noting that the Turkish position is linked to the illegal Turkey-Libya memorandum.

He further noted that the involvement of the French company Meridiam serves as a ‘vote of confidence’ in the project's security and viability. Hatzivasileiou maintained that Greece will not respond to provocations or compromise its national interests, asserting that the European nature of the project ensures relevant authorities are informed.