Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is maintaining increased security measures and assessing developments in the Middle East following an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council, government spokesman Konstantinos Letympiotis said on Sunday night.
National Security Council assessment
Letympiotis said the meeting took place in the context of continuous assessment of developments in the wider region and the coordination of competent state services. He said an extensive assessment of data in the Middle East region was carried out, including regional stability conditions and humanitarian needs.
Security measures and coordination
Letympiotis said increased security measures have already been taken and continue to be implemented. He said Cyprus is in constant communication and coordination with its partners in the EU as well as countries in the region.
Contacts by President Christodoulides
Letympiotis said that in the last two days President Nikos Christodoulides spoke twice with the President of the European Commission, twice with the President of the European Council, with the President of the United Arab Emirates, with the Emir of Qatar, the King of Bahrain, the King of Jordan, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, twice with the British Prime Minister, once with the President of Lebanon, the President of France and the Prime Minister of Italy.
EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting
Letympiotis said Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos was taking part in an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council convened to review recent developments in the region.
Estia plan status
Asked about the increased security measures, Letympiotis said they are based on protocols activated since Sunday morning at specific points where it was judged they should be increased, as in previous regional crises. He said the Estia plan to evacuate people from crisis regions via Cyprus has not been activated because no country has sent an official request, although three have sounded the island out, adding that actions are being taken to ensure operational readiness.
What impact could regional developments have on Cyprus’s security measures in the coming days?