GOVERNMENT CONFUSION REGARDING THE "APHRODITE" RESERVOIR

On one hand, the Energy Minister, through his public statements, has declared that he will not accept any proposal from Chevron that does not include the Floating Production Unit (FPU). On the other, the government spokesperson remains optimistic about reaching a resolution.

  • Analysis: Politis Newspaper's Coverage and the Aphrodite Negotiations

    • The Politis newspaper's portrayal of the Cyprus-Aphrodite issue with Chevron indicates a perceived discord between the President's office and the Energy Minister regarding the Aphrodite negotiations.

    • While there might be genuine "differences of opinion" between the President and the Energy Minister, there could be strategic reasons behind these differences. Ultimately, the specifics of an energy negotiation might fall under the Energy Minister's jurisdiction. The President might defer to the country's experts, realizing that such negotiations are best managed by specialists.

    • Should President Christodoulides independently agree with Chevron without the necessary adjustments, he would be going against the unanimous recommendations of the country's experts. This stance may potentially jeopardize the President's position against Chevron, especially when the industrial specifics of the deal seem to justify Cyprus's firm stance.

    • The Aphrodite reservoir is undeniably a sensitive topic, especially at present. Christodoulides shows little-to-no inclination towards opposing the country's expert consensus merely to placate Chevron. The last few months and years have demonstrated that Chevron hasn't approached Cyprus appropriately – so why would Christodoulides be easily minded to agree and put himself against the countries experts that have the best interests of Cyprus at heart?

    • If Christodoulides aligned with Chevron's perspective, he would not have concurred with Minister Papanastasiou in the first place. – Upon his agreement in Troodos the letter of rebuttal was issued to Chevron. He cant just pin blame on Energy minister, the energy service and all the advisors and just go and agree. Well he could – but there would be consequences and repercussions of doing so.

    • No amount of Politis framing the situation, criticising Cypriot decision taking and playing pro-Chevron, will contribute meaningful solutions. It might, however, further muddle an already intricate situation, particularly during a delicate period for both the region and Cyprus.