Newsroom
President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized Saturday that the Republic of Cyprus is maintaining a strictly humanitarian stance amid rising tensions in the Middle East, as the government steps up diplomatic engagement and internal security measures.
“Our role is strictly humanitarian, and we are prepared, if necessary, to fulfill this humanitarian role in the region,” Christodoulides told reporters at the Democratic Alignment (DIPA) conference in Nicosia.
The President said Cyprus remains deeply concerned about the ongoing regional instability. “Of course it is concerning for the entire world,” he noted, adding that the National Security Council is in “ongoing consultation,” while Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos is in constant contact with international counterparts.
“Yesterday, we spoke with both Israel and Iran,” Christodoulides said. “Through the Foreign Minister, we sent specific messages, emphasizing that this situation cannot lead to the resolution of any differences.”
Christodoulides also confirmed that the Estia Plan, Cyprus’ emergency civilian evacuation framework, has been activated in case of regional escalation. “We are ready... which is purely humanitarian,” he stressed.
He noted that while no formal requests for assistance have been received, “several countries have made exploratory inquiries... and of course, our response was positive.”
The President referenced recent UK assurances that British bases in Cyprus have not been used in military operations, describing their statement as “important” given past sensitivities.
On domestic security, Christodoulides stated that additional internal measures are being implemented “depending on how the situation evolves.”
In diplomatic developments, the President said he recently spoke with the UN Secretary-General in Nice and that contacts with Turkish and EU officials are ongoing. “The sole objective is to achieve positive developments ahead of the upcoming multilateral conference in New York,” he said.
Pressed on comments by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, Christodoulides declined to engage. “We will be hearing ongoing statements... attempting to stir up tension for their own pre-election purposes,” he said. “I will not comment.”
The President also responded to criticism of alleged political interference in judicial matters, including police summonses of journalists. “We are not persecuting anyone, and we are not seeing ghosts,” he said. “In a democratic country, everyone is free to say what they want and they must also take responsibility.”
Christodoulides concluded by saying UN envoy María Ángela Holguín will visit Cyprus following her meetings in Brussels, ahead of the planned New York talks.
