June 20 () –
The president of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has responded to the threats made this Wednesday by the supreme leader of the Lebanese Shiite party-militia Hezbollah, Hasan Nasrallah, saying that they are “part of the solution and not the problem”, within the framework of the corridor humanitarian aid for the delivery of aid to the population of the Gaza Strip.
“Cyprus does not participate in any military conflict and positions itself as part of the solution and not as the problem,” highlighting that its role as a humanitarian facilitator is “recognized globally and particularly in the Arab world,” according to statements reported by the newspaper ‘Cyprus’. Mail’.
Christodoulides has maintained that his humanitarian corridor “is a testimony” of his commitment “to peace and stability.” “Cyprus’ actions are transparent and demonstrate our commitment to being part of the solution,” she stressed.
These comments come after Nasrallah warned that Israel “conducts operations in Cyprus every year” and will not hesitate to make use of Cypriot infrastructure in the event of a war against the militia.
“They know that the resistance will attack them. At that time we will consider ourselves in a state of war with Cyprus,” he said, before adding that “opening Cypriot airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to attack Lebanon would mean that the Cypriot Government is part of the war.” “.
The Cypriot leader has acknowledged that these statements by Nasrallah are worrying, but has denied that they suggest his participation in military operations: “These statements are not pleasant but they do not reflect reality. We do not participate in any military commitment,” he assured.
In addition, he has confirmed that Nicosia has open diplomatic channels with both the Lebanese and Iranian governments, which supports this group that has significant political weight in Lebanon. However, he has concluded that his Executive will address the issue through diplomatic channels.
The Israeli Army and Hezbollah – backed by Iran and which has significant political weight in Lebanon – have been engaged in a series of clashes since October 8, a day after the attacks carried out by Hamas and other Palestinian factions. Since then, Gazan authorities, controlled by the Islamist group, have reported the deaths of nearly 37,400 Palestinians.
Tensions have been rising in recent weeks and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently warned that the Israeli Army “is prepared for very powerful action” on the border with Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah’s ‘number two’, Naim Qassem, warned that an expansion of the conflict would lead to “devastation and destruction” in Israel. Nasrallah has opposed a possible “total war” although he has recommended Israel to “remain prepared” in the north of the country.
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