Nicosia, Cyprus. Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou said President Nikos Christodoulides met with MI6 head Blaise Metreweli on Friday for an “exchange of views” amid heightened preparedness following recent developments.
Meeting with MI6 chief
Speaking on Greek television channel Skai, Antoniou declined to provide details of the meeting but said there was an exchange of positions and information regarding the situation that has prevailed in recent days. He said it would be difficult for a reasonable person to consider the meeting accidental, adding that the matter concerns security issues.
Communication and cooperation with UK bases
Antoniou said there is cooperation with the bases’ administration at both political and military levels, and communication at the highest political level between Christodoulides and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He said the British bases fall within the domain of the Republic of Cyprus but have their own defence systems, while the Republic of Cyprus also maintains its own advanced-technology systems.
Defence assets and foreign support
Antoniou said Cyprus’ air defences have been upgraded after the addition of two pairs of fighter jets from the Hellenic air force and two frigates provided by the Greek government. He also referred to support from other European countries, saying France has deployed a frigate and an aircraft carrier, while Spain and Italy have announced plans to send naval assets to the island’s vicinity. He said Cyprus considers itself adequate to the maximum extent possible in terms of air defence.
Officials urge calm
Antoniou said the impression should not be given that conditions of war are prevailing in Cyprus. He said that while what happened on Sunday occurred and the country remains at a heightened level of preparedness, life continues as usual, warning against dramatizing the situation due to potential consequences for public psychology and the economy.
How do you think officials should balance public reassurance with security-related limits on information?
