Countries in this region have understood that dependence on Russian oil and gas is an extremely bad thing and there is convergence of interest in diversifying sources of supply, even as we work to transition to green energy, US Assistant Secretary of State for Political Attacks Victoria Nuland said today, following her meeting this morning at the Presidential Palace with President Nicos Anastasiades.
Asked if the EastMed pipeline is now a vital option for the US following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ms Nuland said "the idea there is to build a very long pipeline in very deep water over a period of about 10 years and we think that's very expensive, not economically viable and will take too long."
The U.S. official stressed the importance of the transition to green energy, while noting that what they are looking for in terms of hydrocarbons are options for more gas and oil for a short transition period.
Ms. Nuland said the idea is for everyone to benefit because there is a need for alternative energy sources everywhere.
Asked if she offered any US ideas to the two sides in Cyprus to help them move forward in the process for a Cyprus solution, she noted that "we are interested in hearing views in both the north and the south," expressing US support for "confidence-building measures, things that can improve the economy in both the north and the south of the island."
"But primarily this is an opportunity to hear if there is a convergence of views that we can build on," she added."
Referring to her meeting later with the T/C leader, Ersin Tatar, she said she would talk to him about the continued US support for efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem "in a bicommunal way, as we have always supported over time.
Ms. Nuland also said in her remarks that we are very pleased to have a strong partnership with Cyprus at this absolutely vital time for democracy as we stand together in the face of Mr. Putin's brutal attack on Ukraine.
"Cyprus has provided humanitarian support, has banned Russian warships from being in this region, has strongly supported in the EU and globally the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, has welcomed Ukrainians here," she said.
She added that we stand together to ensure that this war is a strategic failure for Mr. Putin and we stand strongly with the courageous people of Ukraine who are fighting not only for their own country but for the freedom of all of us."
She said that during the meeting they reviewed the growing U.S. security relationship with the Republic of Cyprus, referring to yesterday's opening of the Cyprus Center for Land, Sea and Port Security Training CyCLOPS.
Source: Cyprus Times
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