The Republic of Cyprus is neither participating nor intending to participate in any military operation, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday, stressing that the country’s role remains strictly humanitarian. He also called on the public to rely exclusively on verified information from official channels and credible media sources.
The statements were made at the Presidential Palace, where Mr Letymbiotis briefed journalists on security measures, regional developments and international coordination efforts.
Appeal for verified information
Mr Letymbiotis underlined the importance of transmitting accurate information, particularly during periods of regional crisis. He said the Government urges the public to stay informed through cross-checked reports from the media and through official announcements and statements.
He added that the Republic of Cyprus “neither participated, nor participates, nor will participate in any military operation, but only serves its humanitarian role, as it has been doing throughout this period”.
Meeting with Greek defence minister
Referring to the meeting between the President of the Republic and the Minister of Defence of Greece, the Spokesperson said it followed the immediate response of the Greek Government after a telephone conversation between the President and the Greek Prime Minister.
He stated that four F-16 aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force arrived in Cyprus on Monday. According to the latest information, two frigates departed at 23:00 on Monday and are expected to approach Cyprus within the day.
National security council review
Mr Letymbiotis said the National Security Council met on Tuesday morning under the President of the Republic as part of its daily review of the measures taken, the monitoring of regional developments and the coordination of competent services and authorities.
He said the Council remains in continuous consultation to ensure maximum evaluation and coordination.
A Press Centre has also been established at the Presidential Palace, operating daily from 09:00 to 21:00, to facilitate continuous and immediate information to all media organisations.
Support from European partners
Responding to questions about cooperation with Greece, the Spokesperson said this concerns the response of Cyprus’ closest partner to strengthen preventive measures taken by the Republic.
He added that similar immediate responses were seen from the French Republic, following communication between the President of the Republic and President Emmanuel Macron, and from Germany after communication with the German Chancellor. He described this as reinforcement of preventive measures with the support of partners, particularly Greece.
Regarding Germany, he said the initial approach is positive, while the official and final response is awaited and will be communicated formally.
He confirmed that France’s contribution has been finalised and concerns one frigate equipped with anti-ballistic systems and anti-drone capabilities.
Asked about Italy, he said Cyprus remains in coordination with all European Union member states and third countries, noting that responses have been positive and that states are assessing the requests based on their own priorities.
Security situation and preventive measures
On the current security situation, Mr Letymbiotis referred to the Government’s statement concerning two drones that were approaching the British Bases in Akrotiri and which have fallen. He said there has been no indication of a new threat against the British Bases or the Republic of Cyprus since then.
Any information received is evaluated and, if verified, will be officially announced, he added.
Responding to whether the presence of assisting assets near Cyprus renders the country part of the conflict, he said the measures taken are necessary preventive measures and do not indicate participation in any military operation.
He reiterated that the Republic’s role is limited to humanitarian support.
Repatriation requests and international contacts
On the issue of repatriation of third-country nationals through Cyprus, Mr Letymbiotis said the Republic has been approached by states on this matter, emphasising the humanitarian nature of its assistance. He noted that the United States is among those states.
Regarding communication with the United Kingdom, he said that both the UK Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister clarified before the British Parliament that the Bases in the Republic of Cyprus are not included in any discussions or planning related to the United States.
He added that there has been communication between Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos and the UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and that coordination with the United Kingdom and the administration of the British Bases is continuous.
Ongoing evaluation of support
Asked about the duration of the presence of assisting assets, Mr Letymbiotis clarified that this concerns support for preventive measures and not the deployment of forces.
He said that, as daily evaluations are conducted regarding the measures taken and regional developments, a similar assessment will apply to the additional support provided by partners.
Cyprus remains in daily contact with partners and friendly states to exchange information and maintain a comprehensive understanding of developments, with the aim of contributing, where possible, to de-escalation in line with the approach of the European Union and its partners.
He added that the most recent communication with the President of Lebanon took place on Monday afternoon. Diplomatic contacts continue with states across the region, including Israel, focusing on information exchange and regional stability.
Source: Cyprus News Agency