Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stressed on Tuesday the importance of disseminating accurate information amid regional crises, urging the public to rely on corroborated reporting by the media and on official government channels and statements.
Speaking to reporters at the press centre at the Presidential Palace, Letymbiotis said Cyprus “neither participated nor participates nor will participate in any military operation”, adding that the Republic’s role was limited to its humanitarian mission.
He said the President’s meeting with Greece’s defence minister followed what he described as an immediate response by the Greek government, for which Cyprus again expressed thanks, including to the Greek prime minister after a telephone call with the Cypriot president.
Letymbiotis said four Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jets arrived in Cyprus on Monday. Two frigates departed at 11 p.m. on Monday and were expected to approach Cyprus during the day, he added.
He said the National Security Council met on Tuesday morning under the president as part of a daily review of the measures taken, close monitoring of regional developments, assessment of how measures are functioning, whether additional steps are needed, and coordination among the competent services and authorities. The council remains in ongoing consultation and meets continuously, he added.
As part of what he described as efforts for regular and timely public information, Letymbiotis said a press centre has been set up at the Presidential Palace, open to all media outlets, operating from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Asked whether Greece’s support signalled even a temporary revival of the joint defence doctrine, he said what mattered was the response of Cyprus’s closest partner, Greece, in strengthening preventive measures taken by Cyprus. He said similar approaches and swift responses had also been seen from France after calls between President Christodoulides and President Emmanuel Macron, and from Germany after contact between the Cypriot president and the German chancellor.
On whether Cyprus’s requests were being made directly rather than through a European defence mechanism to save time, Letymbiotis said communications with European partners and institutions relate to assessing needs and strengthening preventive measures, adding that contacts are made with states that have both capacity and the necessary equipment to help.
He said Germany’s initial approach was positive, but Cyprus was awaiting an official, final response that would be communicated publicly in the same way as Greece’s support. He added that France’s assistance had been finalised and would involve a frigate with anti-ballistic and anti-drone systems.
Asked whether Italy would also send help, he said Cyprus remains in constant coordination with all partners, including EU member states and third countries, and that responses are positive. He said the president had stated that EU member states were following Greece’s example, and that each would respond in line with its own priorities.
Letymbiotis said that after the government’s official statement on Monday about two drones approaching the British base at Akrotiri and subsequently falling, there has been no indication of a new threat against the British bases or Cyprus. Any information received is assessed, and anything verified will be announced “in the most official manner”, he added.
Asked whether the concentration of forces off Cyprus automatically makes the island part of the dispute, he said the measures taken are necessary preventive steps and do not indicate Cypriot participation in any military operation. He repeated that Cyprus’s role is humanitarian.
On the possible repatriation of third-country nationals via Cyprus, Letymbiotis said Cyprus has been sounded out by states on the issue, highlighting the humanitarian character of the Republic’s support, and said the United States is among those countries.
He said Britain’s foreign secretary and the prime minister told parliament on Monday that, in discussions and planning involving the United States, the bases in Cyprus are not included. He said this was something Cyprus had argued should have been stated with the same clarity in the British prime minister’s initial remarks. Letymbiotis said Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos had spoken with a UK junior foreign minister and that communication with Britain and the administration of the UK bases is continuous.
Asked how the duration of the partners’ support would be assessed, he said it was not a matter of “forces” but targeted support for preventive measures requested by Cyprus. He said daily evaluations would continue, both of Cyprus’s measures and of the evolving regional situation, with ongoing exchanges of information with partners and friendly states. Cyprus’s aim, as far as its capabilities allow, is to contribute to de-escalation if possible, he added.
On Lebanon, he said the latest update came on Monday afternoon, after a call between the president and the Lebanese president. Asked about Israel, he said diplomatic contacts exist with states across the region for information-sharing and assessment of developments, stressing the need for timely information exchange and cooperation to help safeguard regional security and stability.