The escalating tension following Iran’s attack on Israel and the potential spread of the crisis to the wider region, along with the implications of these developments, are deeply concerning for Nicosia.
At the same time, Cyprus is expected to play a central role in safely transporting citizens to their respective countries amidst the escalating situation.
Security has long been a concern for the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus. Now, the issue of the British Bases enters the equation, and Nicosia must manage this diplomatically and communicatively to avoid sending the message of its active involvement, which could potentially provoke a reaction from Iran.
Therefore, both President Christodoulides and the Foreign Minister emphasised yesterday that there was no active involvement from the Republic of Cyprus.
It was further highlighted that the Cypriot Government was not pre-informed by the British.
Given these circumstances, the National Security Council was urgently convened yesterday morning, focusing essentially on these four axes:
1. The role of the British Bases
The direct involvement of the British with aircraft departing from the Akrotiri base was a reference point in the overall assessment of the situation yesterday at the Presidential Palace.
There was significant consideration about how Nicosia would position itself on the issue to avoid sending wrong messages.
President Christodoulides stated that the Republic of Cyprus was not informed in advance, and later, the Cypriot Foreign Minister communicated with his British counterpart for information.
Nicosia is aware that the British bases will be extensively used by the British in case of further escalation of the crisis. The involvement of Britain in yesterday’s operations against the Iranian attack was confirmed by the British Prime Minister in statements to British journalists, emphasising that British forces in the Akrotiri area have been reinforced.
“The Republic of Cyprus will never be involved in any operation or action that has an aggressive character against anyone,” was the statement from Constantinos Kompos when asked to comment on the role of the British bases.
2. Security
The second axis of discussion concerned the aspect of security and the responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus to provide protection for potential terrorist attack targets, as it is estimated that there will be a surge in terrorist attacks worldwide.
Several Israelis reside in Cyprus, and Israeli businesses operate here. It was agreed that security measures need to be increased.
President Christodoulides stated in his remarks yesterday that the decision was not taken yesterday but measures have been in place for days. “All necessary measures are being taken, continuous assessment is carried out by the competent services, and we are in constant conference,” he said.
3. Evacuation of citizens
The third axis of yesterday’s National Security Council meeting concerned the role Cyprus has to play as a safe transit hub for citizens from war-affected areas.
A mission that the Republic of Cyprus has successfully undertaken in the past. Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kompos mentioned yesterday that the ESTIA National Plan has been activated.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated the ESTIA National Plan since last Friday in case evacuations from the area are needed. So far, we have not received any official request regarding this. Nevertheless, all necessary preparatory actions have been taken so that we would be ready if needed,” Konstantinos Kompos stated.
4. Migration
The fourth axis essentially concerned migration and sea arrivals expected due to the escalation of the situation.
President Christodoulides’ statement on Saturday night regarding the suspension of asylum applications from Syrians had preceded this. THe government believes that the situation is now out of control in relation to the arrival of Syrian refugees.
“We are in an emergency situation; decisions are difficult, always within the framework of legality, with one unique goal: to safeguard the interests of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cypriot people,” was President Christodoulides’ statement on the matter yesterday.
Condemnation of attacks and call for restraint
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on Israel, while simultaneously calling for restraint and the maintenance of regional security and stability.
“We strongly condemn the Iranian attacks on Israel last night. Avoiding further escalation and destabilisation is imperative. We call for restraint. Regional security and stability must be maintained,” a post on the Ministry’s official account on platform X stated on Sunday.
In his statements yesterday, Kompos described the situation as particularly concerning, saying he is in touch with his counterparts.
“Our position is clear that anything that could lead to escalation and expansion of the crisis must be avoided. We call for restraint, and in an already tense situation, what is happening is particularly problematic,” he said.
The hope that there won’t be an escalation of the crisis was also expressed in yesterday’s statements by the President of the Republic, highlighting that “we do not believe that problems are solved through aggressive actions.”
President calls Ursula von der Leyen again
President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, had a telephone conversation yesterday afternoon with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during which they discussed the latest developments in the region with the escalation of the crisis and the broader negative impacts, especially concerning migration.
As stated in a written statement by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, during the telephone communication, it was agreed that the continuously increasing migration flows of Syrians to Cyprus, which led to the decision of the Republic of Cyprus, based on applicable EU legislation, to suspend the examination of asylum applications for all Syrian-origin individuals, would be discussed at the upcoming European Council on 17 and 18 April, particularly the request from a number of member states for a reassessment of the situation in Syria.
“President Christodoulides and the President of the European Commission also discussed the possibility of providing enhanced economic support to Lebanon, both to address the economic difficulties facing the country and to manage migration. Within this framework, a joint visit to Lebanon was discussed and agreed upon, following a preparatory visit by the responsible Commissioner in the coming days,” concludes the statement by the Government Spokesperson.
