Nicosia, Cyprus. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the buildup of foreign military assets in and around Cyprus is “necessary” after the island was hit by a drone, while stressing that the Republic of Cyprus is not party to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Government stance on regional crisis
Letymbiotis told journalists that “in no case” is Cyprus party to the conflict, describing the measures taken and the assistance requested as necessary within the framework of preventative measures. He said such measures “must be taken in the midst of a regional crisis as a state in the region”.
He added that the measures do not indicate Cyprus’ participation in any military operation, saying the Republic of Cyprus “has neither participated in, nor is participating in, nor is going to participate in any military operation”. He said Cyprus instead wishes to “serve its humanitarian role, as it has been doing all this time”.
Greek deployments to Paphos and Cypriot waters
On Monday evening, four Greek F-16 fighter jets were repositioned to the George Papandreou airbase at Paphos airport. The Greek navy also deployed two frigates to Cypriot waters, including one armed with the Centauros anti-drone system.
Greece’s Defence Minister Nikos Dendias followed the fighter jets and frigates and said his country will “always stand by the Republic of Cyprus”.
French frigate deployment finalised
Letymbiotis said France will deploy a frigate to the island armed with anti-missile and anti-drone systems. He said the agreement for French forces to be deployed has been finalised, and that the Cypriot government is coordinating with partners regarding the prospect of further forces from Europe and elsewhere being deployed to the island and its territorial waters.
What do you think the foreign deployments mean for Cyprus’ stated humanitarian role?
