The Director of the Cyprus Intelligence Service, Tasos Tzionis, visited Lebanon in June and held a series of meetings, a government source confirmed to CNA.
The source declined to comment on either the substance of the discussions or the identities of those who met the Cypriot intelligence chief.
Report alleges Hezbollah meeting
The confirmation followed a report by Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which claimed that Tzionis met Hezbollah’s leadership during his visit to Beirut.
Citing informed sources, the newspaper said the trip included several political and security meetings. Tzionis was reportedly received by Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolphe Haykal and Military Intelligence Director Brigadier General Tony Kahwaji.
According to Al-Akhbar, his schedule also included talks with Hezbollah’s leadership. The report did not identify the officials allegedly involved or disclose the subjects discussed.
Maritime agreement reportedly discussed
The newspaper said the main purpose of the visit was to discuss bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on the delimitation of Cyprus and Lebanon’s maritime boundaries and their exclusive economic zones.
Tzionis reportedly urged Lebanese officials not to reverse the agreement signed at Lebanon’s Presidential Palace on 26 November 2025.
Al-Akhbar linked Nicosia’s intervention to Turkey’s objections over Cyprus’ maritime delimitation efforts and natural gas transportation routes.
The Cypriot official reportedly told his interlocutors that the dispute concerned Nicosia and Ankara and that Lebanon had no reason to become involved. He was also said to have argued that there was no evidence justifying a review of Lebanon’s agreement with the Republic of Cyprus.
Wider regional developments
The newspaper placed the developments within the context of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s recent visit to Turkey.
It claimed Ankara opposes Lebanon’s participation in regional energy arrangements that bypass Syria or involve Beirut in partnerships Turkey considers directed against its interests.
The meetings also reportedly covered bilateral cooperation in electricity, telecommunications and internet services.
Source: CNA
