Nicosia: From the outset, the Republic of Cyprus, through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), expressed its readiness to provide immediate assistance to the search and rescue operation underway off Kyrenia, with the protection of human life as its sole priority. The operation concerns the rescue of the 267 people who were on board a vessel that capsized off the coast of Kyrenia on Sunday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the JRCC contacted the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), requesting that it convey to the Turkish Cypriot side that the Republic of Cyprus is ready, if necessary, even to take over the operation itself using its available air and naval search and rescue assets. At the same time, President Nikos Christodoulides, through the Greek Cypriot negotiator, requested that contact be made with the Turkish Cypriot leader, precisely to make clear the Republic of Cyprus' readiness to provide all possible assistance.
The same sources said that Nicosia's position in such cases is clear: 'When human lives are at risk, we contribute with every means available.' The Republic of Cyprus has the resources, operational capacity and, above all, the readiness to provide immediate assistance, it was noted.