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The ship carrying aid to Gaza departed today, Government Spokesman Mr. Constantinos Letibiotis, noting that today's pilot departure effectively puts the mechanisms of the Amalthea Plan into operational activation.
In a statement to reporters at the Presidential Palace, as part of his media briefing, Mr. Letibiotis said: "The first ship carrying a cargo of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza left Larnaca today. The ship is part of the "Amalthea" initiative of the Republic of Cyprus for a maritime humanitarian aid corridor and is essentially the start of the implementation of this very important initiative.
Cyprus as the European Union (EU) Member State in the region, since the beginning of the current humanitarian crisis, on the basis of international humanitarian law and in response to its moral obligations, has taken the sea corridor initiative, a direction based on its geographical proximity, its excellent level of relations with all the parties directly involved and its credibility.
Our country has created, presented and implemented an additional tool at the disposal of the international community to complement existing and future aid transit routes, the full implementation of which needs the synergies of regional and international actors on the aspects of (a) the availability of appropriate waterborne means and (b) safe landing/distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Today's pilot sailing effectively operationalizes the mechanisms of the Amalthea Plan, which will preparatory facilitate the stage of full operational systematization of the sea corridor. We will consistently pursue our efforts in consultation with the partners willing to contribute. Already the President of the European Commission, from the floor of the European Parliament during her opening speech welcomed the launch of the initiative and praised the leading role of President Christodoulides and Cyprus in taking the initiative. She also referred to the efforts made jointly with other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
Our efforts will continue and will be intensified in order to further enhance the humanitarian assistance sent to the civilian population of Gaza. Just as Amalthea, the food, gave life according to Greek mythology, the sea corridor is a thread of life. The journey has just begun!"
Asked if Greece is participating in the initiative, the Spokesman said: "Greece is one of the countries that participated in the Joint Declaration that was issued on 8 March."
In addition to the report of the President of the European Commission, but also the Joint Declaration of 8 March, Greece is among the countries that have supported and are supporting this initiative. The aim is that other countries with which we are in constant contact will be able to contribute and assist in this very important initiative."
Asked if the Government feels that some are being left exposed regarding the plans for the ship, the Spokesman said: "From the very first moment the Government took the initiative, drew up a very concrete plan, which it presented in international forums and also before the European Council. It took a lot of effort, persistence on our part to convince some people outside Cyprus and, unfortunately, also inside Cyprus. What we are pleased to announce today is a substantial initiative which is giving life to civilians in the Gaza Strip.
We believe that it is such initiatives that further enhance our country's role in the region, highlight what our country can achieve through proper planning, through taking appropriate initiatives, and we believe that all of us will be judged by society."
Moreover, asked to comment on a report that Israel is interested in buying a port in Cyprus, the Spokesman said: "This allegation is unfounded and the publication is not valid."
(PM/EP/MS)
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