Lafazanis: Greece to examine benefits from TAP pipeline

Environment and Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis announced that his ministry is planning set up committees to examine the offset benefits to Greece from the consortium constructing the TAP pipeline. The announcement was made following a meeting with Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Greece Rahman Mustafayev, SOCAR Vice-President on Investments and Marketing Elshad Nasirov and BP's Vice-President Southern Corridor Joe Murphy.

The Greek minister expressed satisfaction with the constructive dialogue held with BP and SOCAR on TAP, repeating the SYRIZA's support for the pipeline and promising action necessary for its faster implementation. Parallel to this he noted the need to bring offset benefits to Greece, beyond those directed at local communities where the pipeline is expected to pass.

Reports claim that the company representatives were positive about open up a dialogue with the Greek government that would focus on these offset benefits. Both sides agreed to appoint members that are going to take part in the committees to examine the issue, as well as other issues relating to better preparation for implementing the project.