Cyprus to act as safety bridge if conflicts escalate

Cyprus' role is to act as a safety bridge in the region, in case tensions escalate and countries choose to evacuate their citizens, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Friday.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was talking to the Press on the sidelines of the World Conference of Cypriot Diaspora. Asked on the prevailing situation in the broader region and Cyprus's readiness to deal with it, Kombos said that the situation in the region is very difficult. "There is a serious risk of further expansion or escalation of the conflict, which will clearly affect the entire region," he said.

He noted that on the part of Cyprus, “we are very active in the contacts we have about what exactly is going on” recalling that he has just returned from Egypt, where he had these discussions.

He added that "our role is to act as a safety bridge, in case there is a need to evacuate citizens."

He pointed out that the "Estia" project has been activated for weeks now. "All the necessary preparatory work is being done, we are in contact with the diplomatic missions of foreign countries who have the intention of possibly evacuating their citizens if necessary, something which of course we all do not wish for," he said.

"Consequently, we are preparing methodically so that we can face such a possibility," he added.

Replying to a question about how the "Amalthea" initiative is progressing, Kombos said that if there is further escalation in the region, caution is needed regarding any issue that has to do with sending humanitarian aid to an area that will now be even more dangerous.

“Beyond that, we have proceeded with planning with the countries participating in this project, so that there is an aid mission with another methodology now and with an alternative, which is also in preparation stages," he added.

He clarified, however, that everyone's attention is currently focused on the possibility of further escalation in the area.