Cyprus is ready to implement the Home Plan, Foreign Minister Dr. Konstantinos Kombos said on Wednesday at KYPE, adding that all expected actions have been taken in the event of citizens being deported from Lebanon because of the situation in the Middle East.
At the same time, when asked to comment on yesterday’s comments on the occupied territories, he rejected the claims of the Turkish side, noting that the actions of the Cypriot Government are of “humanitarian nature”.
When asked if Canada has indeed concluded an agreement with Cyprus to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon, Mr. Kombos said that all actions planned for Hestia have been implemented. “That is, for the organized removal of citizens through the Republic of Cyprus and after their transfer to destination countries, in the context of the humanitarian aid we provided in 2006 and 2023”, he said.
Beds have already been placed in schools in Larnaca and sanitary facilities have been prepared to receive citizens in case of evacuation in Lebanon.
When asked about this, Mr. Kombos said that “all the necessary actions are being taken in terms of accommodation facilities and strengthening our hosting capacity for a period until we leave for the countries of citizenship of people”.
At the same time, he said, “agreements/arrangements have been made with countries that cooperate in Hestia”, noting that these are “necessary and being made all this time “.
We expect, he continued, “to see the developments and we will proceed accordingly”.
Dr. Kombos also told KYPE that the weekly meeting was held this morning under the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with competent agencies of the state as part of regular coordination with competent agencies.
When asked if we are ready at any time to implement Hestia, the Minister replied “yes”.
Regarding the maximum number of people that Cyprus can accommodate, he replied that “in 2006 it was 60,000. So we can welcome large numbers as long as they leave and don’t stay for long. “
Referring to yesterday’s reactions in the occupied areas with the Turkish leader’s statements, Mr. Kombos said that the Turkish Cypriot side is disturbed and is trying to make a torpedo. “We reject baseless accusations,” said the Foreign Minister, adding that the actions of the Cypriot Government are of a “humanitarian nature”.
