The updated travel advisory issued by the US State Department is "a standard precautionary procedure" applied in various countries when assessing regional developments, diplomatic sources have told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
They noted that the advisory level 3 is the mildest level of measures that can be taken and in practice, ''it does not involve the withdrawal of personnel nor does it indicate the existence of any immediate threat''.
The sources explained that it simply provides the opportunity, if they so wish, for family members of diplomats or a limited number of non-essential personnel to temporarily depart, if they deem it appropriate.
It is noted that the ''authorized departure'' differs substantially from the ''mandatory departure'' stage, which entails the mandatory departure of personnel and this has been applied to a number of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf due to developments in the region, which is not the case in the case of Cyprus.
"The Republic of Cyprus is in constant communication and coordination with its partners and the competent authorities, while the situation is constantly being assessed. There is no indication that justifies concern regarding security in the country," the sources said.
Also read: US travel advisory: Non-emergency employees and family members authorised to leave Cyprus
(Source: CNA)
