Cyprus evaluating every statement made, was not involved in aggressions

The Republic of Cyprus is monitoring developments and evaluating every statement made and any information received, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday evening, following a National Security Council meeting.

He reiterated that Cyprus remains focused on its humanitarian role as a factor of security and stability in the region and did not become involved in military operations.

Speaking to reporters at the presidential palace, Letymbiotis said four Greek F-16 fighter jets arrived in Cyprus on Monday afternoon, following a phone call between President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“Of course, we warmly thank the Greek government for our close coordination and continuous communication,” Letymbiotis said.

The fighter jets arrived after the island became the target of drone strikes amid the crisis in the Middle East.

Two Greek frigates are also expected to arrive soon, Letymbiotis said.

He added that the National Security Council convened again on Monday afternoon to assess the situation.

“Tomorrow [Tuesday] the Greek defence minister will be in our country and will meet with his counterpart Vasilis Palmas, as well as the president of the Republic,” Letymbiotis said, adding that details would be made known on Tuesday morning.

The spokesman said both the president and the foreign minister had been having diplomatic contacts throughout the day.

“The president spoke twice with the president of the European Council, the president of the European Commission, of course the Greek prime minister, the president of France, the chancellor of German and the president of Lebanon. The diplomatic contacts with our partners, the EU member states and third states continue and we are following all developments very closely,” Letymbiotis said.

Asked if the government was evaluating the content of a video with remarks by an Iranian senior commander, the spokesman said “the video is being evaluated as regards its authenticity and its content”.

The Republic, he added, was “responsibly evaluating every statement made”.