Delek’s platforms for the extraction and delivery of natural has to Israel from April 2013 are ready, Commerce Minister, Neoclis Silikiotis stated on Tuesday.

The Minister said that Delek wants to participate with 30% in the rights of the US company in plot 12 of the Cypriot EEZ.

Speaking after a meeting with Delek representatives earlier today, Mr. Silikiotis said that this is a positive development, which is connected to Cyprus’s request for the import of natural gas from Israel.

“This has to do with the wider synergies and cooperation with Israel”, he noted.

According to Mr. Silikiotis, Delek outnumbered the advantages that Cyprus has as to its conversion into an energy centre.

“They understand, and this is shown through the discussion with them, that Cyprus as an EU member-state provides safety and that Cyprus has found a place to create a liquefaction terminal. All these create the background that Cyprus needs to be developed as an energy centre”, he said.

Mr. Silikiotis also stressed that the cooperation with Delek will be profitable and Israel has reached the final stage of decision making on the extraction of the Israeli natural gas deposits.

Mr. Silikiotis originally made reference to the request submitted jointly by Delek and Noble Energy, to enable Delek, through agreement with the state and Noble Energy itself, to participate with 30% in the rights of the US company in plot 12.

According to the Minister, the issue is already before the Advisory Committee. "All studies have been carried out and I expect that soon we can get a proposal to the Council of Minister to take the relevant decision”, he said.

Delek and Noble Energy are the major shareholders in the Israeli natural gas deposits.