BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 9 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanese Defence Minister, Elias Bou Saab, asked for an official letter from Cyprus, to guarantee the protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty, amid plans by Israel to begin a gas pipeline that will link it to Cyprus, Greece and Italy.
Bou Saab’s remarks came, during his meeting with Cyprus Ambassador to Lebanon, Christina Rafti, who assured that Cyprus will deal with this issue in favour of Lebanon’s interests, said a report.
“Cyprus has received a letter from Lebanese Foreign Minister, Gebran Bassil, warning against the violation of Lebanon’s maritime borders,” Rafti said.
“I want to assure the positive attitude of Cyprus towards Lebanon in this regard,” she added.
Bassil renewed his rejection of the violation of Lebanon’s rights and sovereignty, through the planned gas pipeline project between Israel, Cyprus and Greece.
Greece, Italy, and Cyprus reached an agreement late last year with Israel, to lay a pipeline connecting the Jewish state’s gas reserves to the three countries.
The 2,200 km pipeline, which will cost seven billion U.S. dollars, will have the capacity to carry up to 20 billion cubic metres of gas yearly.– NNN-NNA
