Cyprus to help Lebanon evacuations
Cyprus has agreed to assist in a European Union plan to evacuate European citizens from Lebanon. Israeli air strikes have made Lebanon a dangerous place to be. Thousands of Europeans are stranded in Lebanon, many on a holiday or visiting family. France has been pushing for a joint European evacuation plan to quickly get EU citizens out of Lebanon and to European territory.
Cyprus said Friday it was ready to support a joint EU-coordinated mass evacuation of Europeans stranded in Lebanon following fresh air attacks from Israeli forces.
Cypriot foreign ministry official Sotos Zackheos said there was a French proposal being mulled for a coordinated EU effort, although no final decision had been taken.
“They have asked for facilities in case this mission is conducted concerning all EU citizens, and Cyprus has given its consent for Cypriot ports to be used,” Zackheos told reporters. He said the 25 EU foreign ministries were later Friday to thrash out the possibility of an action plan either by sea or air.
Meanwhile, Nicosia has negotiated with Athens that between 50 to 60 Cypriots be airlifted to safety along with 50 or more Greek nationals trapped in Beirut.
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Administrator @ July 17, 2006