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A Greek Air Force C-130 aircraft arrived in Cyprus on Thursday, safely evacuating 38 Cypriot citizens from Lebanon, following a request through the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Beirut. The evacuation flight was arranged in coordination with the defense ministers of Greece and Cyprus, in response to the rising tensions in the region.
Αφίχθηκε λίγο πριν τις 13:00 μ.μ. το αεροσκάφος της Ελληνικής Πολεμικής Αεροπορίας C-130, το οποίο μετέφερε 38 Κύπριους πολίτες οι οποίοι ζήτησαν μέσω της Πρεσβείας της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας στη Βηρυτό την υποβοήθηση της αναχώρησής τους από τον Λίβανο. Στο αεροσκάφος επέβαιναν… pic.twitter.com/H1yM2k8Mpb
— Constantinos Kombos (@ckombos) October 3, 2024
Cyprus Defense Minister Michalis Giorgallas thanked the Greek government for their swift and understanding response. He also reassured that the Cypriot Foreign Ministry continues to offer consular support to Cypriots in Lebanon through the embassy in Beirut. The ministry has urged citizens to contact the embassy and register on the online platform, www.connect2cy.gov.cy.
In addition to the Cypriot evacuees, the C-130 also carried 22 Greek citizens, who arrived at Elefsina Airport near Athens later in the afternoon.
Cyprus has also made provisions for further evacuations, should the need arise, with commercial flights available for those wishing to leave Lebanon. Authorities have put the “Hestia” project into action, which has been on standby for some time to assist in the evacuation of people in need. The project can host up to 7,000 people if necessary.
As the situation in Lebanon continues to unfold, Cyprus remains vigilant, with the Foreign Ministry closely monitoring developments and ready to provide further assistance to its citizens.
