No official request for “Estia” evacuation plan yet, sources tell CNA

There has been no official request to start a large citizens evacuation operation from Lebanon yet, sources told CNA on Tuesday evening. However, the departure of a small number of personnel and citizens from a number of countries through Cyprus is being facilitated.

Replying to CNA questions about Cypriots living in Lebanon sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that about a year ago approximately 2,000 Cypriots resided in Lebanon. In the last year, they added, the number of Cypriots in the country has dropped to about 1,200 people, as many chose to leave due to the financial crisis.

According to estimates if an evacuation means is made available some dozens of people are expected to take advantage of it. Greece has provided Cyprus with a military transport aircraft to evacuate Cypriots stranded in Lebanon following a request, the Defence Minister of Greece said earlier on Tuesday evening.

In the meantime, sources from airport operator Hermes have told CNA until 21:00 local time on Tuesday eve
ning, 11 flights from European countries bound for Israel were diverted to Larnaca airport.

The airport, they added, stands ready to receive incoming diverted flights which were bound towards Tel Aviv due to the situation in the Middle East.

Source: Cyprus News Agency