Nicosia, Cyprus. Israeli Ambassador to Nicosia Oren Anolik said a breakthrough may be near in the Cyprus-Israel dispute over the Aphrodite and Yishai gas fields, with signatures expected by the end of March at the latest. He also discussed Iran, Gaza and ties between Israel and the European Union.
Energy talks and timeline
In an interview with Phileleftheros, Anolik said progress has been slower than anticipated but that the talks are approaching a conclusion. He said company representatives took part in the latest negotiating round, which he described as instrumental in moving discussions forward, though he added that one more round may still be required.
Anolik said signing the agreements would not complete the entire process but would set out the fundamental principles of the solution. He said a special envoy is to be appointed for the division of resources, and that while implementation will take time, the main obstacle would have been removed.
Iran and crisis consultations
Asked about expectations from Cyprus in a crisis scenario amid suggestions that US military action in Iran could be imminent, Anolik said “imminent” remains a hypothesis and that he personally has no information. He said attention should focus on what is happening in Iran and how the regime has treated its citizens, citing Iranian Health Ministry officials as reporting more than 30,000 deaths in three cities, with numbers unclear.
He said Iran’s capabilities, intentions and its perception of the threat would determine its response, and that Israel is preparing for different scenarios, both defensive and, if necessary, offensive. Anolik said relations with the Cypriot government are excellent and that there is room for consultation and communication, including in the event of a new crisis.
EU-Israel relations and Cyprus role
Anolik said EU-Israel relations are complex and that the European Union needs to re-examine them, consider their benefits, and engage with Israel as friends and partners. He said Israel is open to dialogue with the EU and to criticism and is willing to explain its positions and policies, while expecting partners to engage without threats.
He said Cyprus, as holder of the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the coming months, can play a positive role by showing how discussions can take place with criticism while emphasising what unites the sides rather than what divides them.
Public debate in Cyprus
Anolik was asked about a segment of public opinion in Cyprus that sees the relationship with Israel as unbalanced, with Cyprus offering more than it receives.
What do you think Cyprus should prioritise in its engagement with Israel during its EU Council presidency?
