A total of 38 Cypriots arrived safely at Larnaca Airport around 1:00 p.m. today, aboard a C-130 aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force, after being evacuated from Lebanon.
The plane landed five minutes before 1:00 p.m., and the passengers underwent standard passport control procedures before being reunited with their families, who escorted them home.
Theodoros Gotsis, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told CNA that initially, 105 individuals had expressed interest in leaving Lebanon. However, the number was reduced to 45 yesterday, and ultimately, 38 Cypriots chose to evacuate on the Greek military aircraft today. For other Cypriots still in Lebanon who may wish to leave, a commercial flight, chartered by Cyprus, will be arranged.
Gotsis explained that many of those remaining in Lebanon hold dual citizenship and may not feel the need to evacuate, which has caused the fluctuating numbers. He estimated that, under a worst-case scenario, up to 100,000 people might seek evacuation from Lebanon, in cooperation with other countries.
Plans for the evacuation of foreign nationals without access to commercial flights are expected to be finalized in the coming days.
Plan “Estia” Prepared to Host 7,000 People
When asked about the emergency evacuation plan, known as “Estia,” Gotsis confirmed that the plan has been in preparation for some time. He emphasized that it is at its highest level of readiness due to the ongoing situation in Lebanon, with the primary aim of assisting in the evacuation of citizens through intergovernmental cooperation.
“There is significant coordination with various states to ensure full implementation of the plan should the situation deteriorate,” Gotsis stated, adding that Cyprus is currently prepared to host around 7,000 evacuees.
The evacuation of the 38 Cypriots was made possible through cooperation between the Cypriot and Greek Defense Ministers, with Greece providing the C-130 aircraft to transport both Greek and Cypriot nationals from Lebanon to safety. (voıce)
