The natural gas liquefaction plant is and remains at the centre of the government`s plans, Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Giorgos Lakkotrypis has said.

In a written statement, Lakkotrypis says the plant was the option chosen to exploit natural gas deposits, after careful examination of all the facts.

"It is the best choice as regards profit and free access to the most attractive markets around the world, and the flexibility it offers is of great importance for Cyprus to become a regional energy hub," he notes.

Regarding the organisational framework and the management of future income from the exploitation of hydrocarbons, Lakkotrypis says that Cyprus is following the Norwegian model and has already upgraded the role of the Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company and has prepared legislation for the creation of a Hydrocarbons Fund.

Furthermore, Lakkotrypis points out that it was necessary to set up an Energy Strategy Council, which was also one of the President`s pre-election promises, and notes that this will be done the soonest possible.