Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the British Prime Minister informed him that British bases in Cyprus were not used and would not be used in military operations in the region.
Message from the British Prime Minister
Speaking to reporters on arrival at a Movement of Ecologists–Citizens’ Cooperation movement event, Christodoulides said Cyprus was closely monitoring developments and was in contact with neighbouring states, the European Union, the United States and Britain. He said he received a message from the British Prime Minister, on the latter’s initiative, stating that the British bases had not been used and would not be used for what he described as “this particular action.”
Contacts and preparedness measures
Christodoulides said the Foreign Minister had spoken with almost all counterparts. He added that Cyprus had activated the ESTIA plan but had received no requests for assistance so far. He said the only requests received were from airlines seeking to park aircraft at Cypriot airports, and that Cyprus had responded positively.
Support for nationals and security coordination
He said diplomatic missions were on standby to assist Cypriot nationals in the region when conditions allowed, noting that airports were closed and had come under attack. Christodoulides said the National Security Council met earlier in the day and that he was in constant communication with the ministers of foreign affairs, defence and justice, as well as the NSC chief.
EU coordination
Asked whether Cyprus, as holder of the EU Council presidency, would drive a coordination initiative at European level, Christodoulides said such matters fell within the remit of the EU High Representative, with whom the Foreign Minister was in continuous contact. He noted that the President of the Commission and the President of the Council had already issued a joint statement on behalf of the EU.
What impact do you think the current regional situation could have on Cyprus’s preparedness plans?