Cyprus launches emergency alert system amid war in Middle East

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, addressed the people in a new televised address to the nation, CE Report informs.

"Fellow compatriots,

I once again address each and every one of you in light of the unprecedented crisis that has erupted in our wider region, causing concern and uncertainty.

Our foremost concern, our highest and non-negotiable priority, is the security of our country and of all our citizens. To this end, the entire Government and all the competent services of the Republic of Cyprus have been on alert and in full operational readiness from the very first moment.

At this critical juncture, the Government is acting with responsibility and transparency, guided solely, and I wish to reiterate that, by the security of the country and its citizens.

In this regard, your timely and accurate briefing is vital to ensuring the responsible and orderly management of the entire situation.

To that end, information is being provided consistently and responsibly through the Government’s official communication channels, ensuring that everyone has access to accurate and timely updates, reliable information and, of course, clear instructions guidance.

At the same time, as an additional means of providing you with immediate information and guidance, a trial emergency alert system is being launched from today, enabling the Civil Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, where necessary, to transmit direct messages to your mobile phones.

At the same time, we are working to ensure the safe repatriation of all Cypriots currently stranded abroad. The first repatriation flights have already arrived.

Fellow compatriots,

I wish once again to reiterate, in the clearest possible terms, that our country neither participates in nor intends to participate in any military operation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our humanitarian role, which we have upheld throughout, always as part of the solution and never as part of the problem.

We are taking all necessary measures, with due responsibility.

From the very outset, we have been in continuous contact with our partners in the European Union and with third countries to further strengthen our efforts. It is within this framework that we have secured the immediate and invaluable assistance of Greece and France, while we are also engaged in advanced consultations with other states, with further announcements to follow soon. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, I wish to convey my sincere gratitude for their tangible and meaningful support.

Dear friends,

These moments call for unity and calm deliberation.

We remain steadfast in our efforts, with the security of our country and its people as our highest priority."