The mobility observed in the last days on the island with the presence of ships and/or aircraft is due to the humanitarian role that Cyprus is called to play in light of the developments in the region, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letympiotis told KYPE.
Invited by the KYPE, on the occasion of the arrival yesterday of an American ship at the port of Limassol, to comment on the mobility that has been observed recently in Cyprus, Mr. Letympiotis said that "the mobility that has been observed in recent days on our island with the presence of ships or / and aircrafts is part of the humanitarian role that Cyprus is called upon - once again - to play in the light of the developments in the region and they concern evacuation assistance, should the need arise".
"The hope of all of us is to avoid any escalation of the crisis and it is in this direction that we are working together with our international partners", added the Spokesperson. But at the same time", he continued, "and in any case, the preparations for the activation of the 'Estia' plan continue for the possible removal of third country nationals through Cyprus, hence the self-evident mobility for the period".
Mr. Letympiotis noted that the criticality of the period "imposes sobriety, seriousness and avoidance of easy adoption of false news targeting the Republic of Cyprus".
Moreover, in his statements to the Reuters agency, Deputy Government Spokesman Yannis Antoniou said that the Republic of Cyprus has already activated the "ESTIA" plan, which has been tested and checked. As Mr. Antoniou mentioned, so far ten countries have proceeded to investigate the possibility of requesting support from Cyprus for the removal of their nationals, but there has not yet been any official request.
If the need arises, Cyprus is ready to help and host those who need it for a few days, until the transfer to their countries is arranged, said the Deputy Government Spokesperson. According to Reuters, some counter-tents have already been set up in the coordination area in Larnaca, with everything necessary, to be used if the need arises.