On all levels, the government continues to pacify concerns by stressing that the energy plans will go ahead, and that there is no case for changing or even freezing the planned July drillings. It is a message that the government spokesperson and President Nicos Anastasiades himself have repeated several times.

However, Turkey’s efforts on a political level illustrate that it is Ankara’s intention to bring the Cyprus government before a difficult dilemma, and force it to retreat from its stated energy plans.

Anastasiades will be moving to Washington on Monday where the energy matters will be at the heart of his contacts there. He will be meeting with ExxonMobil executives, which might in turn reveal what will occur in July when exploratory drillings are planned to take place.

Of particular importance will also be the meeting of Anastasiades with the U.S. Vice-President, Mike Pence in the White House.

Source: InCyprus