Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 01-10-07

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Spokesman - Attack - Afghanistan - Comment

[02] Cyprus Communications and Works Minister - US attack

[03] Cyprus Justice Minister - US attack

[04] Cyprus Defence Minister - US attack

2130:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Spokesman - Attack - Afghanistan - Comment

The spokesman said the Republic's airports have been on high alert since the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on 11 September and continue to be on high alert.

Cyprus has granted permission to US military aircraft to use its air space and has given landing rights to the US, following a request by Washington.

"We would like to hope that as a result of this military operation a place that harbors terrorism will be uprooted. We also hope that the people of Afghanistan will be freed from the inhuman Taliban regime," the spokesman told CAN.

The spokesman welcomed President Bush's remarks, in his address to the American people today, that the offensive is not targeting civilians but specific military targets in order to destroy Tabilan's military capabilities.

"We note with great pleasure President Bush' s statement that the offensive is targetting, not civilians, not the Afghan people, but specific military targets with a view to eliminate the military capability of the Taliban," Papapetrou told CNA.

The government of Cyprus condemned the terrorist attacks of 11 September and aligned itself with the coalition of countries fighting terrorism.

CNA MM/GP/2001

2150:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Communications and Works Minister - US attack

"Everything is running smoothly as far as civil aviation is concerned, so far. There is nothing specific to report at this stage," Neofytou said, adding that airport facilities and other services are operating as normal.

Cyprus granted earlier this week landing rights to US military aircraft and the use of its air space as part of its contribution to the coalition fighting terrorism.

Replying to questions, the minister said he would be consulting with his aides at the Civil Aviation Control Centre "just to keep abreast of developments."

He said so far no flights have been postponed.

CNA MM/GP/2001

Koshis said he in constant touch with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who has been contacting foreign ambassadors for the extra measures being taken.

The Justice minister said Cyprus Police Force "have been on alert taking increased security measures at sensitive areas".

"Extraordinary security measures have been taken at all embassies and particularly at the embassies of the countries which are taking part in the attacks against the terrorists", the Cypriot minister told CNA.

CNA GP/2001

2310:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus Defence Minister - US attack

"Cyprus took increased security measures since the day of the terrorist attack and maintained those measures pending the US attack," the minister said.

He explained that "there is no cause for concern", adding that the Cypriot authorities had taken the necesary measures "for such situations."

The minister said the Cypriot authorities were following developments very closely.

Hasikos added the situation had been under control despite the fact that some 40 countries had been involved in this operation.

CNA KS/GP/2001

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article