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| The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) enters Larnaca's port on October 13 2015 |
The head of the Cyprus Oil and Gas Association (COGA) has confirmed that there is still a possibility of using Larnaca’s port facilities for future exploratory drills for energy firms despite a recent snub from the local authority.
Larnaca appeared poised to green light the request from COGA before Larnaca municipality board members swayed in favour of a no following what they claim are health fears. Larnaca Mayor Andreas Louroutziatis had been in favour of allowing the port to open its arms to energy giants, namely ENI and Total.
Speaking to state radio on Wednesday, COGA chief Andis Varoshotis said the companies were currently looking at Limassol as a possible venue but added Larnaca could be a possibility following reports in Phileleftheros that the Larnaca municipality will convene for a second meeting at the end of the month to revote on the issue.
“If there are efforts underway in Larnaca to allow its port to open up to the companies, then it is a matter of their own and not something that was initiated by us,” said Varoshotis.
“What we seek is a quick solution and no more delays. If Limassol is deemed unsuitable to our needs, then Vassiliko will be an option or, perhaps, even Larnaca again. But like I said, we are not campaigning for Larnaca. Any initiative from Larnaca – if there is one – is being done themselves.”
Critics of the decision accused the municipality of putting populism before jobs with the town no paving way for over a hundred port workers losing their jobs – something that has angered the workers who were confident that the municipality would have said yes.
The decision was taken amidst strong protest from activists who have opposed any industrial activity, with one councilor absent from the vote.
The decision to say had also prompted strikes from port workers.
Reports in Phileleftheros claim that a letter had been sent from COGA to all the company members urging them to re-turn their attention to Larnaca with firms like Total currently looking at Limassol to set up camp.
Louroutziatis has also been informed of the letter.
The new meeting in Larnaca is scheduled to take place on either February 28 or 29.
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