Developments in Israel and the possible expansion of the conflict to neighbouring Lebanon are causing strong concern in Nicosia on Friday, with an early morning meeting taking place at the Foreign Ministry to assess the situation.
The 9 am meeting will include a broad swath of the state’s agencies, including from the foreign and defence ministries and the ministry of justice.
A feared mass exodus of refugees towards Cyprus as well as security issues were put before a national security council meeting attended by President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday.
The goal of the meeting was to examine developments in the middle east and their impacts on Cyprus, following the Israeli response to terrorist attacks by Hamas.
Cyprus has assumed its role as a transit hub through activation of the ‘Estia’ plan, for the reception and safe onward repatriation of Europeans or other citizens. The country’s airports are of regional importance, since they are the closest safe European territory to Israel.
The likely scenario of a new influx of refugees means temporary infrastructure for hosting arrivals must be found. Should war expand to Lebanon, it is estimated that there will be mass arrivals, the majority of whom will remain in the country.
Meanwhile, security measures have been stepped up island wide at the points of entry and exit, roadblocks, embassies, places of religious worship, and other high-risk areas.
A follow up security council meeting is scheduled for Monday.
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