After a week in which panic-driven reactions, a lack of composure, exaggerations and moments of irresponsibility created the impression that Cyprus is effectively in a state of war and under immediate threat, it is time to pause and recognise the extent of the damage this narrative can cause to the country.
This is not to suggest that Cyprus’s geographical position does not carry risks, nor that precautionary measures should not be taken to strengthen citizens’ sense of security. Nor does it mean that developments in the region should be met with indifference or complacency.
At the same time, the attack on the British Bases was an unprecedented event and the initial hours understandably triggered confusion, rushed responses and some misjudgments.
However, this is very different from the dramatization of the situation that followed. The line between responsible crisis management and necessary public information is extremely thin. When that line is crossed, the result can be panic domestically and damaging perceptions abroad.
Unfortunately, this is what occurred during the first days of the crisis.
Repeated meetings of the National Security Council over minor developments, and especially the public announcements surrounding them, the successive presidential addresses, the postponement of scheduled European meetings linked to Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency and the constant briefings from the government spokesperson even for false alarms created the impression that Cyprus was either already at war or about to enter one at any moment.
This distorted image was then amplified abroad, often in even more dramatic terms, by local, foreign and particularly Greek television networks, many of which broadcast continuously from outside the British Bases while competing to portray Cyprus as a country already in flames.
Now that the initial shock has passed, the government and especially the president must send a clear message both domestically and internationally: Cyprus is not a theatre of conflict and remains a safe country that continues to function in its normal daily rhythm.
Such a message is necessary both to restore calm within Cyprus and to protect the country’s highly valuable tourism sector from potential waves of cancellations ahead of the summer season.
The war in the region, by all indications, is likely to continue for some time. Cyprus must therefore learn to live with this reality.