Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence minister Vasilis Palmas said on Tuesday that Cyprus was not the target of recent threats in the region, stating that warnings concerned only the British bases. He said Cyprus is taking preventive measures due to the bases being located on its territory.
Comments to ERT on regional tensions
Speaking to Greek broadcaster ERT, Palmas said the republic had not been directly threatened despite rising tensions linked to the regional conflict. “It was not the Republic of Cyprus that was threatened, but the British bases,” he said.
Tripartite meeting described as symbolic
Palmas made the remarks after a tripartite meeting in Cyprus between President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron, which he described as “highly symbolic in nature”.
Preventive measures and public safety
Palmas said the government’s priority is ensuring public safety and protecting national infrastructure, adding that Cyprus is acting preventively because the British bases are located on its territory.
No EU mutual defence clause invoked
He said Cyprus had not invoked the European Union’s mutual defence clause under Article 42(7) despite heightened tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.
Thanks to Greece and call for stronger EU defence
Palmas thanked Greece for what he described as a rapid response in deploying naval assets to support security in the area. He said he felt “pride and unity with Greece” when standing on the Kimon, referring to the vessel described as the “pride of the Greek fleet” that was sent by Athens.
He added that initiatives by Greece and France should serve as a model for the European Union to strengthen its collective defence. “The EU must build a self-protection shield for all 27 member states,” he said, adding that Europe “cannot be a strong political force without a strong deterrent”.
What measures do you think Cyprus should prioritise to protect public safety during heightened regional tensions?
