Paphos, Cyprus. Cyprus’ government said on Tuesday there had been no attacks against the republic, clarifying remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron a day earlier. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said reports suggesting Cyprus had been targeted by drones and missiles were inaccurate.
Government clarification
Letymbiotis said on Sigma TV that there had been no attack, indication or attempt against the Republic of Cyprus. He said all incidents to date had targeted the British bases.
Macron remarks in Paphos
Macron said on Monday that “when Cyprus was attacked, all of Europe was attacked” during remarks at the Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos, where he met President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Incidents near RAF Akrotiri
Letymbiotis said two security incidents had occurred near the British bases at RAF Akrotiri, including the interception of a drone and another incident the following day. The government said both originated from Lebanon, with Hezbollah the likely instigator.
Strategic partnerships
Letymbiotis said the current crisis had demonstrated the practical value of Cyprus’ strategic partnerships with European states, commending responses from Greece, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.
How do you assess the impact of the government’s clarification on public understanding of the incidents?