The Minister of Transport emphasizes Cyprus' unique challenges as an island state and the need for timely measures in case of adverse developments, while also referring to the Larnaca Marina project.

"We are not experiencing a fuel shortage today," Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeades said on Monday, noting that preparatory work is underway and data regarding the issue in Cyprus is being recorded.

In statements made on the sidelines of the European Transport Federation Executive Committee meeting at the SEK building in Nicosia, Mr. Vafeades was asked to comment on the issue of fuel adequacy. He referred to a "toolkit" announced by the European Commission, which is expected to help member states manage a potential crisis. "I think we are in a position where we must be aware of what is happening and maintain good coordination with member states and the European Commission so that if things take a turn for the worse, we can take our measures."

When he was asked about the measures being taken in Cyprus, he said that "preparatory work is being done at a strategic level, recording all existing data. Cyprus is in a more disadvantageous position compared to Central Europe," he noted, referring to the country's lack of land connections. "We are an island state. We depend on aviation and shipping. Therefore, we must manage this with these factors in mind."

He stated that the situation in the Middle East is unpredictable. "This has created some problems in the fuel supply chain; we are duty-bound to monitor the situation so that we can take appropriate measures in a timely manner. This is why the informal Council of Ministers took place last Tuesday at the European level where we discussed the issue and reached some ideas," he said.

In regards to the statements made by the Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Vyras, concerning the Larnaca port and marina, the Minister specifically said: “What we had agreed with Mr. Vyras was something quite different." He added that they had agreed "the matter would follow a specific implementation path and that the results of the study regarding land development would be presented at the end of the month."

He added that they would then allow two months for the study's completion. As the Minister stated, "Mr. Vyras decided on a different path. We will continue to work in the direction we had originally settled upon . I expect that our original agreement remains in effect." He added that they would continue working to deliver concrete outcomes that will allow the project's implementation to move forward. 

"Even though Mr. Vyras seems to disagree, I insist that we should not wait for all studies to finish before starting works that are not in dispute."

No one disputes, he continued, that the marina project can proceed today, and he expressed concern: "Why should I wait all this time and lose another two or three months for the marina? Why not start immediately?" He noted that instructions have been given to the Port Authority to begin consultations for the project's implementation.

"It is our job to move it forward and that is the Government's intention. If there was a delay in this study, that weight is on me, I realize that. I apologize to Larnaca, but this does not mean we have the right to delay this work any further."

He also expressed the position that the Government will move forward with the marina "to show the people of Larnaca that we are progressing and not creating delays that could set the project back by two or three months. I am not saying not to complete land developments or studies, but for the marina, why should we wait?" he concluded.

Source: Brief