A clear message of support for Cyprus was sent by Ursula von der Leyen during the press conference with Antonio Costa, following the conclusion of the European Council summit in Brussels.
Referring to the conclusions on the Middle East, she on 19 March noted that the EU “has strengthened its partnerships with neighbors in the region and, most importantly, we are united as Europeans; we know that when we act together, we are stronger.” President von der Leyen emphasised that “Cyprus has been affected by this war more than any other member state,” and, on behalf of the Union, sent “a clear, unified message: The security of Cyprus is the security of the European Union. I commend the president’s handling of the situation and the Presidency, which continues to deliver.”
“As President Christodoulides said, there is normality and security in Cyprus, and I look forward to being there in April for the informal European Council,” she added.
In the early hours of 2 March, a Shahed-type drone struck military facilities in the British Bases, hosted in Akrotiri, in the southern tip of Cyprus, causing minor damage, amid regional turmoil following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The attack by the Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle, believed to be linked to Hezbollah operating in Lebanon, prompted heightened security measures, while several countries, including Greece and France said they were deploying warships, aircraft and other air defence assets to shield Cyprus. The UK also announced the dispatch of a warship. Nicosia reiterates that it has no involvement in the wider Middle East conflict.
(Source: CNA)
