Authorities ready to implement Estia Plan if need, Foreign Minister says

"Cyprus is ready to implement the Estia Plan," Foreign Minister Dr. Constantinos Kombos has said, adding that all necessary measures have been taken in case of citizen evacuations from Lebanon due to the situation in the Middle East.

At the same time, when asked by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) to comment on 12 August's reactions in the Turkish occupied areas, he rejected the claims of the Turkish Cypriot side, emphasizing that the actions of the Cypriot Government are of a "humanitarian nature".

When asked if Canada has indeed made an agreement with Cyprus for the evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon, Kombos said that all necessary actions have been taken for the implementation of the Estia Plan. "This means organised evacuations of citizens through the Republic of Cyprus, followed by their transfer to destination countries, as part of the humanitarian assistance we provided in 2006 and 2023," he added.

Beds have already been set up in schools in Larnaca, and hygiene facilities have been prepared to accommodate citizens in case of an evacuation from Lebanon.

When asked about this, Kombos said that, "all necessary actions are being taken in terms of accommodation facilities and enhancing our capacity for temporary housing until individuals depart to their countries of citizenship."

He also said that "agreements/arrangements have been made with countries cooperating in the Estia Plan," noting that these "are essential and have been ongoing throughout this period."

"We are waiting to see how developments unfold, and we will proceed accordingly," he added.

Dr. Kombos also informed CNA that as part of regular coordination with relevant services, a weekly meeting took place this morning, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involving other relevant state services.

When asked if Cyprus is ready at any moment to implement the Estia Plan, the Minister responded "Yes."

Regarding the maximum number of people Cyprus can host, he said, "In 2006, it was 60,000. So, we can accommodate large numbers as long as they are departing and not staying for an extended period."

Referring to the reactions in the Turkish occupied areas following statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, Kombos stated that the Turkish Cypriot side is disturbed and trying to undermine the efforts. "We reject baseless claims," said the Foreign Minister, adding that the actions of the Cypriot government are "humanitarian in nature."

(Source: CNA)