Today I convened the Ministerial Group on Crisis Management composed of my distinguished colleagues the Ministers of Defence, Interior, Justice and Public Order. The meeting was also attended by the dear Minister of Transport, Communications and Works.
During the meeting, we reviewed the situation as it emerged from the activation of the National Plan "ESIA" on 25 April.
Regarding the situation on the ground in Sudan, it is worth mentioning that there is a new extension of the ceasefire for another 72 hours, which we welcome. At the same time, the situation remains worrying and this affects regional stability in the region. Therefore, it is expected that more evacuations will follow.
Our services at the Zenon Coordination Centre, as they have already demonstrated, are fully alert and ready to carry out this complex task.
We have activated all the mechanisms at our disposal.
Through the National Plan "ESTIA" we are providing humanitarian, consular and medical assistance to the evacuated Sudanese civilians arriving in Cyprus. We have to thank all these people, who have been working all these days without a break, without rest. They have provided an incredible service to the Republic of Cyprus, serving all these people who arrive in our country. On behalf of the Government, we express our sincere thanks.
A few words about the latest statistics we have before us.
So far, 1560 people have arrived and 1043 have left. Of the 1560 arrivals, we should mention that they come from 13 different countries.
Today, 28 April, 4 flights have arrived and more are expected.
A total of 13 flights have taken place between 25 April and today. There is information that this flow will continue at least for the next few days.
Regarding the evacuation of Cypriot citizens and their family members, we are pleased to inform you that all 15 persons are on safe ground, 14 of them are in Cyprus and one person is in Greece.
Regarding the 7 persons who were travelling by road to Egypt, 5 of them have arrived safely in Egypt, while the remaining two are near the border and our Embassy in Cairo expects to receive them when they cross.
In conclusion, I want to repeat something that I have said several times in the last few days, and which has been proven.
Cyprus, because of its location and its infrastructure, is a Safe Harbour in our region. It is a living bridge and a safe transit station for civilians.
This is what we did in the past, in 2006 in relation to Lebanon. That is what we are doing now.
We will continue the effort until this very important operation is completed.
Thank you.
(MF/NG)
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