Cyprus Not Participating in Any Military Operation, President Christodoulides Says in Video Message

Cyprus is not participating in any way in, nor does it intend to become part of, any military operation, President Nikos Christodoulides said Monday in a video message.

We are doing what is necessary with the foremost concern being the security of the country and its citizens, he noted.

In his address, President Christodoulides said that, in light of the events, he chose to brief the public directly on Sunday night’s incident.

At 00:03, a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle struck within the military facilities of the British Bases at Akrotiri, causing minor damage at RAF Akrotiri, he added.

“From the very first moment, all competent services of the Republic have been on alert and at full operational readiness”, he said, adding that he also convened the National Security Council to assess the situation. The National Security Council remains in continuous consultation, he said.

The President added that he is in constant contact with European leaders and the leaders of other states regarding the developments.

“We are in a region of particular geopolitical instability with many challenges and problems, which is going through an unprecedented crisis,” he said, stressing that “our country is not participating in any way nor does it intend to become part of, any military operation”.

“We remain committed to the humanitarian role we have served throughout this period, always as part of the solution and not the problem, and we will continue to act with the same responsibility,” he added.

“We are doing what is necessary with the foremost concern being the security of the country and its citizens,” he concludes.