Nicosia: No suspicious object was detected near Lebanon's airspace, despite information and indications assessed earlier in the morning, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said Wednesday after a meeting of the National Security Council.
According to Cyprus News Agency, he said all protocols were immediately activated and two aircraft operated in the area for several hours, without anything of concern emerging. He also clarified that at no stage was the airspace of the Republic of Cyprus closed, but that time was given to allow the two aircraft to carry out their operations, resulting in two flights being delayed, one of which returned to its initial destination.
He added that the National Security Council, under the President of the Republic, proceeded with its scheduled review of preventive security measures, the assessment of the current situation, and the coordination of the competent state services.
After the meeting, the President held a telephone conversation with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Letymbiotis said. The two leaders discussed regional developments and the incident, which remains under investigation, reaffirming the close ties between Cyprus and Lebanon, he added.
Regarding the airspace, Letymbiotis clarified that there had been no other activity, adding that all information is being continuously assessed.
Responding to a question about the countries assisting in strengthening the defence of the Republic of Cyprus, he said that Greece responded positively from the outset with two F-16 fighter jets and two naval frigates. France has also decided to aid, as announced last night by President Emmanuel Macron. He further noted that there has been contact with Germany and Italy, both of which have expressed, in principle, a positive approach.
According to Letymbiotis, following the telephone conversation between the President of the Republic and the German Chancellor, there was contact at the level of chiefs of defence forces, and that, communication between the Defence Ministers of the two countries was expected today in order to finalise Germany's contribution.
Regarding the United Kingdom, he noted that any actions undertaken are based on its own assessment and not at the request of, or in coordination with, the Republic of Cyprus. The matter was communicated by the British Prime Minister to the President of the Republic during their telephone conversation yesterday, he said.
Concerning the announcement by the US State Department and issues relating to staff at the American embassy in Nicosia, he said that in cases where incidents are under investigation, it is well known that embassies apply their own security protocols in relation to their premises and internal procedures.
'Our primary concern is the security of the country and our citizens', he stressed, noting that any verified indications are communicated immediately to the public and the media. He also called on the members of the public to follow official channels of information and formal briefings, stressing that the situation is under close monitoring.
As regards the object reportedly detected on radar earlier on Wednesday, the Spokesperson said that the area was scoured, highlighting the immediate response of the two aircraft and underscoring the significance of the assistance provided by the Greek Air Force. He added that the assessment is ongoing and stressed that, in line with the protocols, should any object be confirmed as suspicious, the necessary procedures will be activated.
Asked about possible additional measures around the US Embassy, he said no information has emerged concerning any specific threat to the Embassy or any other site in the Republic. Regarding the United States travel advisory, he said this is a practice followed by the United States due to regional developments and constitutes a voluntary advisory for embassy personnel who may wish to depart Cyprus. He noted that it is not mandatory, as is the case in 14 other countries in the region, which, he said, demonstrates that the United States regard Cyprus as a safe country.