The C-130 of the Air Force returns with 60 Greek and Cypriot people

The aircraft is carrying 60 people, 22 Greek citizens and 38 citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. From Nicosia the aircraft will return to Athens.

It is recalled that following a conversation between the Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias and his counterpart Vassilis Palmas, the Greek government already made available to the Republic of Cyprus a C-130 transport aircraft as of yesterday Wednesday, while Mr. Dendias in cooperation with the military leadership made two more transport aircraft available if more mass movement of Greeks from Lebanon is required.

At the same time, by order of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis, the Crisis Management Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was activated, in order to provide assistance to Greek citizens who wish to leave Lebanon. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that Greek citizens can contact the Consular Office of the Embassy of Greece in Beirut, on the emergency telephone number ([phone] and at the electronic e-mail address: [email protected] At the same time, those interested can call the following contact numbers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: ([phone] and ([phone].

As part of the permanent European force for the stability of Lebanon in the wider region, the Greek frigate “Spetsai” sails together with German and French units. The Navy has deployed surface units capable of transporting personnel. They can approach Lebanon relatively easily and leave there with enough people.

The issue that concerns the Greek authorities, but not at a direct level, is a possible escalation of personal migration flows. The first stop of such a wave could be Cyprus. Further cooperation of Greece and Turkey will be required in the event of such an escalation. There is already information about preparations of the structures both in island and mainland Greece to receive more people.

KYSEA: Alarm for new flows of immigrants

The KYSEA (Governmental Council for National Security) held an emergency meeting yesterday for about two hours under the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, after the dramatic developments in the Middle East.

There was a briefing by the relevant ministers (Civil Protection, Immigration, Foreign Affairs and Defence), but also by the National Intelligence Service and an assessment was made of Israel’s possible reaction to the latest attacks by Iran and its allies, as well as the impact which could have a wider conflagration in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon, where approximately 3,500 Greek citizens live. At the same time, issues related to fears of immigration waves, but also of the possible entry into our country of persons who could cause attacks in our country, with possible Israeli targets, were examined.

The competent authorities have already prepared evacuation plans, which will only be activated if there is an increased number of requests from the Greek community, however for the moment around 40 people have expressed interest.

Greek staff are monitoring developments, as a widespread flare-up could trigger a new wave of migrants to Greece and Europe, further straining the already strained migration situation. As part of the preparedness of the Authorities, it is expected that the necessary processes in the immigrant structures will be accelerated in order to be able, if necessary, to host any immigrants who may be found in our country. For now, however, the first country that would face such a problem would be Cyprus.

The KYSEA meeting ended with the decision to keep the diplomatic and military services on alert, in order to respond immediately to any development. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other competent authorities, will continue to inform the government and plan possible actions should the situation worsen.

Before the KYSEA meeting was held meeting at Ministry of National Defense under Nikos Dendias and discussed the possibility of the assistance of the Armed Forces in an operation to release Greek and Cypriot citizens. In fact, three C-130 aircraft of the Air Force are already on standby, as well as ships of the Navy, in order, if necessary, to assist.

For his part, the government representative, Pavlos Marinakisstressed that the Greek side condemns Iran’s attack on Israel, which, he said, constitutes a “very serious escalation.” “Obviously we stand by the Israeli people, they have a self-evident right to live in security, but at the same time Greece has a balanced foreign policy and the goal of our actions is de-escalation,” he noted. At the same time, by order of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, the Crisis Management Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was activated.

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