Cyprus’ top priority is safeguarding the country and its citizens, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said Monday following an emergency meeting of the National Council.
Speaking after the session at the Presidential Palace, chaired by President Nikos Christodoulides, Letymbiotis said the council received a full briefing on Sunday night’s drone incident at the British Bases in Akrotiri and on the measures taken since.
“Ensuring the security of the country and our citizens is the foremost concern,” he said, adding that all relevant agencies are operating under established security protocols, which are being reassessed daily. Council members were briefed on the measures and exchanged views on priorities.
Cyprus insists on humanitarian role, not military involvement
Letymbiotis said the council unanimously reaffirmed that Cyprus has not participated — and will not participate — in any military operations. He stressed that Cyprus’ longstanding humanitarian role “makes us part of the solution and never part of the problem.”
Council members were also updated on plans for the repatriation of Cypriot nationals once conditions allow, as well as on requests from foreign governments seeking to use Cyprus as a transit point for humanitarian evacuations. Diplomatic contacts by the president and the foreign minister with EU partners and third countries are ongoing.
British assurances questioned after drone strike
Asked whether the U.K. had informed Cyprus about the use of its bases by U.S. forces — reportedly the trigger for the incident — Letymbiotis said London had assured Nicosia that the bases would not be used for any military operation.
“That was the information we had,” he said, noting that Cyprus remained in constant contact with both the U.K. government and the administration of the British Bases throughout the night. He added that Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos held multiple calls with his British counterparts.
Letymbiotis said Cyprus has repeatedly stressed to the U.K. that the bases “must not participate in any operations with objectives beyond the humanitarian role.”
He expressed “displeasure” that the British prime minister’s televised address did not clearly state that the bases in Cyprus would not be used for military purposes. He noted that the U.K. foreign secretary issued a clarifying statement Monday.
Cyprus will lodge formal representations, he said, including over the lack of timely warning to Cypriot residents living near Akrotiri.
Drone origin still under investigation
Letymbiotis said authorities have not yet verified the drone’s origin. He confirmed there is no indication of a second attempted strike and that the incident caused only minor material damage.
He acknowledged that small, low‑flying drones pose challenges “not only for Cyprus but also for states with far greater defense capabilities,” but said all available measures have been activated in coordination with partners.
Security protocols heightened; National Security Council on continuous alert
The spokesman said enhanced security measures have been in place since the start of the regional crisis and are being continuously evaluated. The National Security Council met again in person at midnight and remained in session until shortly before the National Council convened.
“All necessary measures at our disposal are being taken,” he said, emphasizing a “calm and responsible” approach.
Diplomatic initiatives and EU presidency impact
Letymbiotis said Cyprus is pursuing diplomatic initiatives “from the first moment,” both as an EU member state and as a country of the region. The president and foreign minister are holding numerous calls with EU leaders, regional heads of state and EU institutions.
Asked whether the status of the British Bases could be renegotiated, he said, “Nothing is ruled out in this context.”
He confirmed that requests from foreign governments for facilities in Cyprus relate solely to humanitarian evacuations.
On the postponement of the Informal General Affairs Council meeting scheduled to take place in Cyprus, Letymbiotis said the decision was due to widespread flight cancellations and closed airspace in the region, not security concerns. He added that Cyprus’ EU Council presidency strengthens its ability to advocate for decisive EU action to de‑escalate the crisis.
