No discussion on a "velvet divorce" with CPP over LNG terminal, Christodoulides says

We are not discussing about a "velvet divorce" with the Chinese state-owned company CPP over the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Vasiliko, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has said, adding that "the effort continues."

President Christodoulides made the statements to journalists on 1 June before attending a charity basketball match, in the framework of the Telethon 2024 Month, which was held at the Keravnos Strovolou club, in Nicosia. The President himself participated at the match, along with members from the government, journalists, athletes and others.

Asked about press reports about a "velvet divorce" between the Government and CCP for the terminal project at Vasiliko , President Christodoulides replied that "I would not say that we are discussing a 'velvet' divorce. The effort continues, there are three parts, there is the vessel, there is the jetty and there is the onshore" terminal.

"We are working to find a solution to move the project forward. We are not discussing a 'velvet' divorce," he added.

Speaking on the termination of the agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings for the port and marina of Larnaca, President Christodoulides said "the alternative to terminating an agreement, because the company was not meeting its promises, was to never do anything and we will not allow that to happen. Would it be better to let nothing happen? Instead, we are moving forward immediately. There is interest and you can be sure that the project will start."

Asked about the workers in Larnaca, the President of the Republic said that "from the first day I said that there will not be any problem with the workers. We are doing everything possible to ensure the continuation of their work in the context of the new circumstances."

He added that he had spoken to both the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Transport, saying that "the instructions are clear, and there is no reason for concern. We are working to find a solution."

Referring to the blast in Limassol and asked whether the Government has a plan to tackle fires, the President of the Republic said that "in addition to the planning on the part of the Government - which of course exists - I want to thank the neighbouring states. I want to make special reference to Jordan for its immediate response to our request."

He pointed out that, as he has been informed, more than 90% of fires are caused due to human factors, saying that "we must all be doubly careful. We also have a responsibility, each of us individually, not to take actions that create these kinds of very difficult situations."

(Source: CNA)