Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos called for all parties to show restraint to avert a wider flare-up in the region, stressing that the actions of Britain through its Sovereign Bases on the island ‘under no circumstances can be associated with the policy-stance of the Republic of Cyprus.’
His comments came after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles against Israel on Saturday night causing concerns for a new escalation of the conflict.
In statements at the Presidential Palace following a meeting of the National Security Council, Kombos who returned to Nicosia from Athens, said that the Foreign Ministry as of last Friday has deployed the national plan “Estia” to manage possible evacuations from countries affected from the crisis.
He also said that Cyprus has facilitated four flights to Lebanon and Jordan, which were diverted to Larnaka airport as the two countries had to close their airspace on Saturday.
‘Our position is clear anything that could lead to a flare-up and escalation sho
uld be avoided, we call for restraint,’ Kombos told journalists at the Presidential Palace.
He noted that he is contact with his counterparts discussing the situation, adding that the Foreign Ministry and state services are in a state of ‘active preparedness to tackle all eventualities.’
Kombos stated that the international community’s concern is to avert a continuation of the situation ‘because any continuation may lead to an escalation which could lead to things getting out of control.’
‘We are sending a message of absolute restraint,’ he stressed.
Replying to a question whether Cyprus could be involved in the crisis, in light of press reports that the British Sovereign Bases were involved in the interception of missiles and drones against Israel, Kombos stressed that ‘the Republic of Cyprus in no case will be involved in any operation, action of aggressive nature against anybody.’
Noting that due to its geographic location, Cyprus lies in the epicentre of the crisis, the Foreign Minister added ‘we hav
e no illusions we could chart a political path over the tackling of the situation.’
But he noted we have the ability to communicate with the actors involved, conveying messages of concern and the need for restraint.
With regard to the British Bases, Kombos said Cyprus is in constant communication with the British Foreign Minister, noting however that ‘this communication is taking place after the events have taken place, that is, after the commencement of the operation.’
He also referred to statements made by British officials that described the nature of their actions, adding that ‘these were self-explanatory.’
‘It should be absolutely clear, such activities are not up to the Republic of Cyprus and under no circumstances could be associated with the Republic of Cyprus and its policy and this is a message we have repeatedly stressed because is absolutely important,’ Kombos concluded.
Source: Cyprus News Agency