Cyprus’s Foreign Ministry described the regional situation on Tuesday as difficult, requiring organisation, patience and cooperation, as diplomatic efforts continue in the wake of US and Israeli strikes against Iran.
Foreign Ministry sources said diplomatic contacts had continued over the past 48 hours with EU member states, EU institutions and third countries, with ongoing analysis and assessment of developments.
On reports that Cyprus might invoke the EU solidarity clause, sources said this was not under consideration at present, with efforts continuing at a bilateral level.
The largest number of stranded Cypriot nationals are in the United Arab Emirates, the ministry said. Those in Abu Dhabi are being accommodated at no cost by the emirate, while a different process is being followed in Dubai involving compensation for bookings, with the Republic’s financial resources being drawn on as a priority until local authorities resolve the situation.
A group of Cypriot citizens aboard a cruise ship is in a safe area of Qatar, sources added, while a smaller group in Bahrain is being assisted in travelling to a Saudi Arabian airport to connect to onward flights to Cyprus.
Efforts on the Cypriot side are at an advanced stage, sources said, though any further developments will depend on the status of airspace and airports in the region.
On evacuations under the ESTIA plan, sources said there was nothing new to report, noting that exploratory contacts had taken place but that progress would depend on whether airspace remains open.
Sources described the overall situation as remaining difficult, saying the pace of events required considerable effort, organisation and analysis, and called for patience and cooperation from all.
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