The Republic of Cyprus is “in no way involved in any military operation”, President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated on Saturday, stressing that all actions taken by Nicosia are guided solely by “the security of the country and its citizens” at a time of heightened tensions in the region.
Cyprus acts as a pillar of “stability and security” in the region, he added, noting that foreign governments have approached Nicosia regarding the possible use of the island as a transit hub for the safe evacuation of their nationals.
Heightened level of readiness
In a message delivered at the first session of the Cyprus–Greece Unified Cultural Doctrine, held in Thessaloniki, the President referred to the ongoing regional crisis and the measures taken by the Cypriot authorities. The address was read by the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in the city, Konstantinos Polykarpou.
President Christodoulides said the country’s authorities are at an “upgraded level of readiness” and are coordinating closely with partners in the European Union as well as with third countries.
He pointed out Greece’s support, noting that it was “the first country to stand by Cyprus” following communication he had with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The dispatch of two pairs of fighter jets and two frigates to bolster Cyprus’ defence capability, he said, “is an extremely substantial action with great symbolic value.”
Cyprus 'not the target'
The President added that the decision by the Greek government also served as a precursor for other European states to support the Republic of Cyprus, which, he repeated, “is not the target of any attacks.”
He also stressed that Cyprus and Greece are acting together as “agents of stability and security” at a time of geopolitical instability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The President referred to Cyprus’ role as a safe destination, noting that the government has received approaches from several states regarding the possible use of the island as a transit hub for the safe evacuation of their nationals from the region.
At the same time, he said the Republic of Cyprus is assuming an active role as a “pillar of security and stability” in the region, functioning as a hub of stability, a corridor for the transfer of humanitarian aid and a point facilitating the evacuation of civilians.
Division of Cyprus
Referring to the Cyprus issue, the President said the country continues to suffer the consequences of the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation, noting that “unhealed wounds” remain from the illegal occupation of a large part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey.
He also stressed that Cyprus’ accession to the European Union was “the result of the wise strategy of assertive realism” pursued by Nicosia and Athens, adding that the same approach constitutes the cornerstone of efforts to achieve the liberation and reunification of the country.
Referring to the Cyprus–Greece Unified Cultural Doctrine, the President said its aim is to promote more institutionalised and effective cooperation among cultural and intellectual bodies of Hellenism worldwide using cultural diplomacy.
The first session follows the founding congress of the initiative held last November in Ayia Napa, with the participation of 25 cultural associations and intellectual organisations from Cyprus, Greece and communities of the global Greek diaspora.
CNA