Manos Konsolas: Hydrocarbon exploration agreements enhance Greece’s geopolitical standing
Dodecanese MP for New Democracy, Manos Konsolas, told Parliament that the agreements for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in four offshore areas south of the Peloponnese and Crete strengthen Greece’s geopolitical role, security, and international alliances.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the ratification of four agreements between the Hellenic Republic and Chevron and HELLENiQ ENERGY, Konsolas said the deals carry significant national and strategic importance.
He focused on what he described as the geopolitical dimension of the agreements, outlining five key points. According to Konsolas, the strategic and allied relationship between Greece and the United States is being upgraded, while the objectives of the illegal Turkey-Libya memorandum are effectively being undermined on the ground.
He made special reference to Chevron’s participation, noting that despite alleged Turkish efforts to derail the tender and pressure the US energy giant to withdraw, the company took part in the process, signed the agreement, and is expected to proceed with exploration activities.
Konsolas also stressed that the agreements are based on the rules of international law and the principle of the median line, which he described as long-standing Greek positions. At the same time, he argued that both Chevron and HELLENiQ ENERGY effectively recognize Greece as the lawful holder of exploration rights in the specific maritime blocks by signing contracts directly with the Hellenic Republic.
Referring to the broader political message, the Dodecanese lawmaker called for national unity, emphasizing that the agreements are grounded in the “Maniatis Law.” He added that in order for the tender and contracts to move forward, environmental impact studies for the offshore areas south of the Peloponnese had to be completed first, a process that, as he said, was finalized by the government three years ago.
In his speech, Konsolas also referred to recent Greek moves in support of the Republic of Cyprus, saying that the deployment of a frigate and F-16 fighter jets to the area marked an initiative of deterrence and power projection. He said Greece is sending a clear message in defense of national interests and Hellenism, adding that it is particularly significant that other European countries followed the Greek initiative.
Concluding his remarks, Konsolas said that Cyprus, as a member state of the European Union, is European territory and that any threat against it should be addressed at the European level.
