Press Release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the events in the southeastern Mediterranean
The Republic of Cyprus is following closely, since the early hours of today, the events in the area of the southeastern Mediterranean, when it became known that Israeli forces intercepted and captured vessels participating in the initiative of Non Government Organizations for lifting the sea blockade against Gaza. The competent authorities are in readiness to provide whatever humanitarian assistance may be needed. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave instructions to the Political Director to call the Ambassador of Israel to Nicosia and ask for an official briefing and for information regarding his country’s armed forces’ operation. In addition instructions were given to the Cyprus Ambassador in Tel Aviv to ask for an official briefing as to whether there were citizens of the Republic of Cyprus on board the vessels of the initiative and regarding the state of their safety. Until this moment there is no information about Cypriot citizens being on board the vessels or being in danger. The firm position of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is that Non Government organizations must be allowed to exercise their activities freely, always in the framework of legality and of the respect of law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to follow the developments closely and will take all the necessary actions. The Cyprus Government reiterates its position for the immediate, continuous and unconditional access of humanitarian aid, of trade products and of individuals from and to Gaza.
