Nicosia: The Republic of Cyprus has received formal requests from Slovakia and Portugal to assist with the evacuation of their citizens via the “ESTIA” Plan, according to Theodoros Gotsis, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke to CNA. The Special National Plan ESTIA, designed for the reception and repatriation of foreign nationals from crisis areas, was activated on Friday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Gotsis stated, “so far, we have requests, through the ‘ESTIA’ Plan, from two countries, Slovakia and Portugal,” aimed at evacuating their citizens and others from Middle Eastern nations, particularly Israel. Discussions are ongoing with these countries to find ways to facilitate their requests.
Gotsis also addressed the situation concerning Cypriot citizens in Iran, noting that “there are three citizens who are permanent residents and wish to return to Cyprus.” He added that, from Israel, two patients have already returned to Cyprus, while 10 remain hospitalized there, accompanied by 14 persons. Additionally, 19 individuals who were in Israel temporarily for vacation or work also wish to return.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to ensuring the swift return of Cypriots in Israel and Iran, employing all possible means. Regarding flight diversions due to the Middle East crisis, Gotsis confirmed that 32 flights have been redirected to Larnaca and Paphos airports, accommodating 2,427 passengers, most of whom are en route to their home countries.