Threatened by Hezbollah, Cyprus assures not to take part in tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, responded Wednesday evening to threats from the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, by assuring that “Cyprus does not participate in any military conflict and positions itself as part of the solution rather than the problem”.
Speaking to journalists from the University of Cyprus, Christodoulides highlighted Cyprus’ role as a humanitarian facilitator, “which is recognized throughout the world and particularly in the Arab world”.
Quoted by Haaretz, the UN spokesperson assured Thursday that any threat against Cyprus constituted a threat against the United Nations, referring to the remarks made by the leader of Hezbollah against Cyprus.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Nasrallah for the first time threatened Cyprus, saying “hold information according to which (…) Israel says it would use Cypriot airports and bases if Hezbollah attacks its airports ».
Tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border, where clashes have been almost daily between the Israeli army and Hezbollah since October 7, have clearly increased in intensity over the past week.
After Hezbollah leader’s threats against Cyprus, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that “Relations between Lebanon and Cyprus are based on a rich history of diplomatic cooperation”. Contacts and consultations continue between the two countries “at the highest levels”, said the press release from the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
