17563 - EEZ and the importance of the Kastellorizian cluster

N. Lygeros
Translated from the Greek by Athena Kehagias

In the past, there was a Libyan questioning regarding Gavdos, but now, since we did seismic in Southern Crete down to the middle line, we have incorporated the Gavdos effect, which is offering the Greek EEZ in excess of 2428 Km2, with no problem whatsoever, and continue with talks regarding the signing of a formal de jure agreement. In a similar fashion, the tripartite of Cairo, triggers the effectiveness of the Kastellorizian cluster, which offers an additional 20851 km2 to the Greek EEZ, since the zone of contact with the Greek EEZ and the Cypriot EEZ is a fact due to its existence.
We can therefore see, that we have a phase change that directly relates to the Herodotus Basin, which has large deposits of hydrocarbons.
The triple point of contact between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt is no longer just a theoretical point, resulting from calculations through the Voronoi diagrams, but a tangible geo-economic factor of the EEZ notion.
The triple point of contact will be a reference point in the final negotiations, since it is that, which will seal the triple agreement, which will come to reinforce the existing demarcation agreement between Egypt and Cyprus.
Therefore, we have the tangible results of an action that is functioning within a distance of 259 Km and allows these three countries to have a common point of contact.
This new dynamics at a political level, are based on a topostrategic background and not just the geostrategic one, since we are not talking anymore about neighbors but about relationships.
And these relationships between the three countries have changed all the data.
Now, with the developments at the Venus and Onasagoras deposits, on marine plots 12 and 9, we penetrate a new phase, even for our energy issues as such.
In this context, the geopolitical position of Cyprus has been upgraded.
And so, the existence of the cluster of Kastellorizo operates as partners in the same direction without any further diplomatic excuse.
Also, the European context as a whole, is in the process of direct support because all these data is a catalyst for the energy security of the European Union. Therefore, we observe that the Member States are clarifying their position towards Turkey, since they value her actions in the Cyprus EEZ as unacceptable. Globally and holisticaly, we are experiencing a phase change, and in this, the Kastellorizian cluster plays a fundamental role.