French defence minister in Cyprus

French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, arrived on the island on Sunday, carrying a message from President Jacques Chirac to his Cypriot counterpart Tassos Papadopoulos, expressing his gratitude to the government and the people of Cyprus for assisting EU citizens during the evacuation from Lebanon.

Alliot-Marie already conveyed the French government’s message to Papadopoulos during a meeting the two had at the President’s holiday home at the coastal northern resort of Protaras.

She was received by Cypriot Minister of Defence Phivos Klokaris and Commander of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Constantinos Mpisbikas and France’s Ambassador to Cyprus Hadelin de La Tour du Pin.

Klokaris expressed Cyprus’ appreciation to France for its support at all other levels, including the UN and the EU.

Alliot-Marie visited two French navy vessels which will dock at Larnaca Port, bringing in more French nationals for repatriation.

President Tassos Papadopoulos called on the EU on Saturday to help Cyprus in handling the influx of foreign nationals fleeing Lebanon. Estimates put the number at around 25,000 so far.