The first Greek-Turkish Energy Forum which was scheduled to take place in Athens on Wednesday June 18 has now been cancelled.This was announced in Athens today by the conference co-ordinator, Mr. Costis Stambolis, publisher of the electronic magazine ENERGIA (www.energia.gr). Originally the Forum was to be held in Athens on May 8-9 but it was postponed following a last minute decision by the Turkish Energy Minister not to participate. A new date was then agreed but most Turkish speakers appeared to have changed their mind over the last few days over travelling to Athens to participate in this unique event.
The Forum was conceived as a platform to discuss and exchange views on the key energy issues which the two countries now face, says Mr. Stambolis. Greece and Turkey already co-operate closely on a number of energy projects including the linking of their gas pipelines and their electricity grids. The Forum was expected to contribute in the overall direction of improvement of the normally strained political realtions between the two countries. More than fifteen speakers from Greece and Turkey had agreed to participate and make presentations at the Forum.
The Forum was to be organised alternatively,once a year, in Greece and Turkey. Greece’s leading energy companies gas supplier DEPA and petroleum group Hellenic Petroleum were among the Forum’s official sponsors.
It appears that the Forum has fallen victim to the latest flareup in tension between the two countries,notes the Forum’s convener Mr. Stambolis.This unfortunate development will not deter us from trying to organise again a meeting between the energy experts of the two countries,but this should be organised on an entirely different basis,adds Stambolis on an optimistic note.