Christodoulides speaks to Jordanian king over Middle East tensions

President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday held a telephone conversation with Jordanian King Abdullah II, during which they spoke about the “evolving situation” in the Middle East.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the two leaders had discussed initiatives being developed with the aim of avoiding further escalation, while also “underlining the need to avoid actions” which will lead to further flare-ups of tensions.

They also both called on all parties to avoid moves which will escalate the situation, and “maintain peace and security”, and agreed to remain in “constant contact” as the situation continues to evolve.

The conversation took place as Cyprus remains on standby to activate the ‘Estia” plan, plan to deal with mass evacuation events of European Union and third country nationals from neighbouring countries in times of crisis, should needs require.

The plan swings into action whenever other countries request to use Cyprus as a hub for evacuations, with hundreds or thousands of people then passing through.

Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou had confirmed to the Cyprus Mail on Tuesday that no requests have yet been received by Cyprus for the plan to be activated, but that “we are ready to activate it at any given moment.”

Letymbiotis had echoed those statements on Monday, saying the government is “monitoring the situation”, and that “all of us hope and wish that there will be no further escalation of the crisis in the region.”

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades also said that “everyone is on their toes” in anticipation of further developments in the Middle East.