Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides wrapped up on Tuesday 19/11 his visit to the US capital, with a meeting with the US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Francis Fannon, with whom he discussed energy issues and regional developments.
 
During his visit in Washington, Christodoulides also met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other officials.
                                        
According to a diplomatic source, Christodoulides and Fannon discussed Turkish violations in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and regional developments, with references to Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece and Libya.
 
Christodoulides briefed Fannon on the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum held in Egypt, the future energy plans of the Republic of Cyprus and the recent EU decision on sanctions for those involved in illegal activities in Cyprus’ EEZ.

The Council of the EU member states, which convened in a Foreign Ministers format, formally adopted earlier this month a framework for restrictive measures in response to Turkey`s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. As formally announced by the Council, "the framework will make it possible to sanction individuals or entities responsible for or involved in unauthorised drilling activities of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean."

More specifically, the sanctions will consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for persons, and an asset freeze for entities. In addition, EU persons and entities will be forbidden from making funds available to those listed.

CNA - Apostolos Zoupaniotis