Cyprus president says Europe “could do more” with Lebanon crisis

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said Saturday that he expected foreign states to do more to assist with the evacuations from war-torn neighbouring Lebanon and called on the European Union to help.

Speaking during a visit to review volunteer services and talk to evacuees at Larnaca port, Papadopoulos appealed for planes and coordination to transfer the foreign nationals back to their homelands.

He said that Cyprus is an EU border, therefore the problem is European. But so far, only Finland has responded to a plea for more countries to open their borders.

Papadopoulos said that “given our limited capabilities, we have exceeded ourselves” and praised the government services and the vast number of volunteers of the Cyprus Red Cross who are assuring that Cyprus can be valuable in Europe as a bridge of peace between Middle East countries and Europe.

“We will continue as long as our restricted means allow us to”, the Cypriot president said, adding that Cyprus will accept all those who arrive.

“We provide accommodation for two to three nights, or as long as needed. We need the support of European countries to help these people reach their final destinations. So far only Finland has responded and we are very grateful”, he said.

Papadopoulos added, standing under a sign that read “welcome to Larnaca port- a bridge to peace and safety”, that Cyprus “is a safe destination and I believe the developments of the last days have proved that Cyprus is a source of security and stability in the region and that it can help in maintaining peace and stability”.

President Papadopoulos visited the Greek-flag ferry boat “Iera Petra”, which has continued to shuttle evacuees from Beirut for seven days and on Saturday brought French and Belgian nationals to Cyprus. He then inspected the passengers’ lounge and talked to evacueesand rescue service volunteers.