Cyprus has completed preparations for a possible removal of foreigners from Lebanon and Israel, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos told the Cypriot news agency KYPE today.
The plans come amid fears that Iran and its allies could launch attacks on Israel and push the region into an all-out war.
Mr Kombos said Cyprus could host a large number of people – including citizens of other EU countries and third-country nationals – provided they travel to their countries in time.
The “Hestia Plan”, as it is called, is ready to be implemented, the Cypriot Foreign Minister said, adding that all the foreseen actions have been taken in the event of the removal of citizens from Lebanon due to the situation in the Middle East.
Asked if Canada has indeed concluded an agreement with Cyprus for the removal of its citizens from Lebanon, the Cypriot Foreign Minister stated that all the planned actions for the implementation of “Estia” have been taken. “That is, for organized removals of citizens through the Republic of Cyprus and after their transfer to destination countries, in the context of the humanitarian assistance we offered in 2006 and 2023”, he added.
Beds have already been placed in schools in Larnaca and sanitary facilities have been prepared to receive citizens in the event of an evacuation of Lebanon.
“All the necessary actions are being taken in terms of accommodation facilities and strengthening our temporary accommodation capacity until the departure to countries of citizenship of persons”, he emphasized.
At the same time, he said, “agreements/arrangements have been made with countries that cooperate with the “Hestia Project”, noting that these “are necessary and were being made all this time”.
When asked if Cyprus is ready at any time to implement the plan, K. Kombos answered “yes”.
Regarding the maximum number of people that Cyprus can accommodate, he answered “in 2006 it was 60,000. So we can welcome large numbers as long as they leave and don’t stay for a long time.”
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