Category: Cyprus News Agency

Department of Meteorology

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 08/06/2026

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Highest

Lowest

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Nicosia (Athalassa)

35

18

38

Larnaka Airport

31

20

54

Limassol

28

21

67

Pafos Airport

26

18

80

Frenaros

30

21

53

Prodromos

25

16

42

Polis Pafos

28

19

70

The Republic of Cyprus remains committed to building a strong, resilient, and reliable Europe in the field of security and defence, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, said during a press conference following the informal meeting of EU Defense Ministers in Nicosia. From her part EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, spoke about the bloc’s support to Ukraine, while stressing the need for more pressure on Russia. She also referred to developments in the Middle East and her views on a standing EU army.

According to Palmas, the meeting clearly reaffirmed the solidarity of the government and people of the Republic of Cyprus with Ukraine.

‘Cyprus, as the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has made support for Ukraine a central priority, consistently continuing the steadfast European approach,’ he added.

‘Ukraine is defending not only its national sovereignty but also a fundamental principle of the European and international security order: that the use of force cannot lead to the redrawing of borders. As a member state that remains under military occupation, we know the reality of violations of international law, and it is precisely for this reason that our position in support of Ukraine remains firm,’ he noted, adding that Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense also participated in the discussion

According to the Minister, during the second thematic session, the Ministers exchanged views on maritime security, with particular emphasis on ensuring freedom of navigation and the need to counter destabilizing actions at sea.

He added that, in this context, ongoing efforts to counter Russia’s shadow fleet were discussed, as well as the role that Common Security and Defence Policy naval operations can play in strengthening maritime security, the EU’s presence, and its operational readiness in the maritime domain.

He added that during the working lunch that would follow, Ministers would focus on the European security strategy in light of the constantly evolving strategic environment, building on the progress achieved under the Strategic Compass.

He also said that there would be an exchange of views on further strengthening the EU’s defence readiness, its contribution to a stronger European pillar of NATO, as well as the need to strengthen the Union’s ability to decide, respond swiftly, cohesively, and effectively in the face of crises and threats.

‘Our meeting today reaffirms our determination to move forward with unity and strategic vision. In this context, the Council remains committed to building a strong, resilient, and reliable Europe in the field of security and defence,’ he concluded.

For her part, starting from Ukraine, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said that time no longer works in Russia’s favour on the battlefield.

‘Putin is losing money, men and momentum. That is precisely why Russia is escalating its attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Ministers’ exchange demonstrated today, once again, strong unity to support Ukraine and also put more pressure on Russia’, she continued.

‘The numbers speak volumes. Western sanctions have already cost Moscow an estimated $1.5 trillion. For next week, Foreign Affairs Council, my services have proposed more than 80 new listings targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex, human rights violators and propagandists. Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia’s war economy’, she further noted.

Regarding practical support to Ukraine, Kallas said that Ministers discussed the future of the European peace facility. ‘As you know, Hungary is lifting its veto on the blockage of $6.6 billion. I proposed to use these funds to reimburse the member states for the past weapons deliveries, to finance new joint procurements and to sustain operations in the EU-Ukraine mission’, she added.

According to the EU HR, Ministers also looked into deepening the defence-industrial cooperation with Ukraine, particularly on air defence, which is the most needed capability right now. ‘This must go hand in hand with facilitating production of Ukrainian systems in the EU and establishing European companies in Ukraine. The EU $90 billion loan for Ukraine is ready to roll out. The first $5.9 billion payout is going to be for drones this month. As we allocate funding, Ukraine needs are the ultimate priority’, she said.

On developments in the Middle East, Kallas said that Israel and Iran exchanged fire overnight. ‘The region is stuck in phases of peace talks and fragile ceasefires. A return to full-scale war would come at tremendous cost to the entire region. All sides must come back to the negotiation table. Freedom of navigation is under heavy pressure globally, as we see most acutely in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran effectively closed the strait and its drones continue to threaten the maritime traffic’, she continued.

‘Ministers were clear today that Iran’s actions are unacceptable. In response, EU member states in Brussels today approved sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities involved in disrupting the transit through the Strait of Hormuz. This is the first time the EU has applied its new freedom of navigation sanctions regime and, where necessary, will apply it again.

‘Our Operation ASPIDES is making a crucial contribution protecting shipping in the Red Sea. The latest threat by Houthis to target ships also in the Red Sea shows how important this mission is. I have also proposed, once the conditions permit, that ASPIDES could contribute also to the Franco-British coalition in the Strait. Based on the discussions today, we will continue to work on this proposal’, she added.

As regards countering Russia’s shadow fleet, the lesson is that concerted action works, continued Kallas, adding that over the past months, EU measures have made these shady operations harder, riskier and more costly.

She mentioned the example of France and Sweden having recently boarded tankers and the EU naval operation IRINI having begun boarding shadow fleet vessels under updated rules of engagement. ‘Every vessel seized, detained or disrupted means less revenue for Russia to finance this war’, she said, adding that after the press conference Ministers will have also a chance to discuss the European security strategy.

Finally, referring to the elections in Armenia, Kallas said the vote took place under heavy Russian pressure and economic coercion. ‘The Armenian people have made it clear that they have made their democratic commitment to peace and also closer ties with Europe. The EU is preparing an economic support package for Armenia and we will continue to be its partner’, she concluded.

Asked if she is in any way concerned that the EU and especially East European nations might be sidelined from Ukraine-Russia diplomacy, particularly in view of the E3 meeting in London yesterday with President Zelensky, the EU HR expressed the view that Ministers had a very good discussion on the substance of the issue.

‘We really also need to have strategic patience when it comes to really pushing Russia into a situation where they genuinely would negotiate. We feel that it is not there yet. That is why we were also discussing today how to put more pressure, that is why we are coming up with the 21st package of sanctions and actually moving further away to push them really genuinely to negotiate, but we are not there yet, she added.

Asked what options does the EU have to influence the situation, in the Middle East, Kallas said that Ministers discussed today what the EU can do in terms of freedom of navigation.

‘When it comes to the Middle East and the war that is going on, then eventually US and Iran need to really agree on these things. And of course we, together with the regional partners, are also passing these messages that the diplomacy needs to prevail and really have this first phase of agreement or mutual understanding of seizing the hostilities and then opening the Strait of Hormuz and then using this time to negotiate’, she continued.

She added the EU has also offered nuclear experts on the negotiations, as this is another important issue: ‘We have expertise also when it comes to trust-building or confidence-building measures that we can bring to the table, because it is not only the ceasefire that we need, but the long-term peace that also requires the voice of the regional actors to be taken into account.’

Asked to comment on the recent drone threats in Eastern Europe and whether there is some kind of solution, Kallas said these incidents have shown why the EU needs to proceed quickly with all the work that it is doing with the drone wall and actually get these capabilities up.

‘We have a lot to learn from Ukraine regarding this, because they have put it up very, very effectively. We heard today from the Deputy Minister that the interception rate is 97 percent, that they are taking these drones down. And we really need not to create a bicycle, but learn from them. It shows clearly that the threat is also to European soil. We have to take it seriously when it comes to really boosting our own defence and keeping in mind also the way that the wars are conducted today, especially in mind that the drones are a very effective tool, so we need to have also the tools to counter that risk’, she stressed.

Asked about her views on putting together a standing EU army or at least a quick reaction force to counter any threat, as an addendum to NATO on issues that the EU really cares about and needs to respond quickly, the EU HR said that generally defence is a national competence and member states are encouraged to work more jointly together, ‘because also if the member states are strong, also the European pillar in NATO is strong.’

‘Why I don’t support an additional army, it is because every member state has one army. 23 member states are also members of NATO, if you allocate this army to NATO, then you cannot use it elsewhere, you cannot also create another army, just a parallel. That is why it is very important that we do not create structures that could create confusion’, she continued.

‘We, of course, also on the European level have Article 42.7, which is not equal to Article 5 in NATO, to be very clear. But that is why we have also proposed how to operationalise this article if member states also need help. We have many tools when it comes to European Commission, when it comes to the External Action Service, when it comes to also the member states and I think member states need to understand who does what in terms of crisis. We have the crisis response teams when it comes to hybrid attacks that have been quite successful, and we need to develop these even further, but not to create an alternative army to those armies that already exist’, she explained.

Asked about her visit to Ireland tomorrow and how high on her agenda is the question about an Irish aluminium factory’s exports to Russia, Kallas said that every time the media do a good job to actually flag these issues, the Commission is also raising these issues when talking about next sanctions, ‘because our aim is to really deprive Russia of the funding that they get from various resources.’

‘So clearly, we can discuss what kind of impact it has and whether member states are willing to put this forward and agree also on this to, again, put more pressure on Russia. But definitely, I think it will also be a topic that we will discuss tomorrow’, she concluded.

‘We are cautiously optimistic and hope that we will have good news during the summer,’ President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday, in his remarks at an event for the bi-communal business awards ‘Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation in Cyprus 2026’ in Nicosia, in the presence of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus, María Ángela Olguín, and Khassim Diagne, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

He emphasized that ‘the Cyprus question is a European one and, as such, demands European answers,’ adding that the European family stands by Cyprus ‘at a time when Europe itself is investing in greater unity and security.’

The President stated that he cannot accept a future ‘that deprives our children of the limitless opportunities and potential they deserve. And I cannot accept that this can be the future of a Member State of the European Union.’ He noted that ‘as President of all Cypriots,’ he remains unwavering in his commitment ‘to a sustainable and lasting solution for our country.’ President Christodoulides said that “this is the reason that, from the very first day of assuming office, I have worked tirelessly to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations within the agreed framework. I have pursued every opportunity, every initiative and every avenue that could help move the process forward.”

He also thanked the UN Secretary-General and Olgin for their efforts and their commitment to resuming negotiations and resolving the Cyprus issue.

‘Bicommunal cooperation is essential’

Referring to the awards ceremony, which is being held for the 16th year, he expressed his deep appreciation to what they represent, noting that they cast a light and offer a glimpse ‘into the future Cyprus deserves, the future we envision-one of reunification and co-creation between all Cypriots, within the big family they belong in – the European Union.’

He also said that the Stelios Bi-communal Business Cooperation Awards ‘go far beyond the recognition of successful business partnerships. They are a celebration of the spirit of cooperation, mutual trust, and shared purpose between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. And in this regard, they are clear demonstration of all that can be achieved when we come together with a common vision for the future.’

He added that the bicommunal awards are a symbol of hope and testament, while describing them as one of the most meaningful and enduring initiatives promoting bicommunal cooperation through business collaboration, innovation, and practical partnership. ‘This is precisely the vision that Sir Stelios has consistently championed through the Stelios Charitable Foundation. A pioneering vision that I fully share. Also, because our history has shown time and again that Cypriots can live, create, and prosper together. And this is the foundation upon which a reunified Cyprus will be built,’ President Christodoulides stated.

He also said that both the Government and himself fully support all bicommunal actions and initiatives that bring Cypriots closer together. ‘Bicommunal cooperation is essential for supporting and fostering reconciliation and reunification’ he added.

Finally, he expressed his sincere personal appreciation to Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, noting that his ongoing active commitment through the Charitable Foundation ‘has supported truly meaningful cooperation, built trust, and created shared opportunities for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.’ Addressing the award winners, he said it is clear ‘what we are working toward: a reunified Cyprus within the EU.’

The aim of the awards is to promote peace, said Sir Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou

For his part, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou noted that the goal of the awards and the effort being made is to promote peace and economic prosperity across the island.

He expressed his belief that it is important to ‘encourage more people to apply because we want to change the mindset.’ He added that the awards are being held this year for the 16th time, and that the annual investment for the bicommunal business awards amounts to approximately 1 million euros per year, and to date, awards totaling 5.3 million euros have been presented, with a total of 18 winners.

‘Half of them are Greek Cypriots and the other half Turkish Cypriots-people who are willing to work together. This reflects our goal: to work toward lasting peace and economic prosperity on the island of Cyprus.’

He concluded by stating that what the winners are doing ‘is promoting not only peace but also economic prosperity across the entire island.’

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus will organise, within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a Conference entitled “Mosquito-Borne Diseases Conference”, which will take place on June 10, 2026, in Nicosia.

“The conference is taking place at a particularly important time for public health in Europe, as mosquito-borne diseases constitute a growing challenge that requires enhanced preparedness, surveillance and coordinated European action,” the Ministry stresses.

The aim of the conference is to exchange scientific knowledge and best practices between member states, European and international organisations and experts, focusing on epidemiological surveillance, prevention, preparedness and response, mosquito control and innovative approaches to vector control.

The conference will present the epidemiological picture of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe, the experience of member states from recent incidents, the challenges of mosquito surveillance and control, as well as Cyprus’ response regarding the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

In addition, the conference will discuss the need to strengthen coordination and joint actions at EU level, information exchange and collective European preparedness against cross-border public health threats related to vector-borne diseases and climate change.

Concluding, the Ministry of Health underlines that strengthening prevention, preparedness, resilience of health systems and cross-sectoral cooperation is a key priority of the Cyprus Presidency in the field of public health and health security.

Europe must turn its commitments into real change at sea by enforcing laws designed to protect the ocean, Oceana said on World Ocean Day, noting that the European Union has a larger maritime area than land territory.

In a press release, Oceana called for urgent action to restore the health and abundance of the ocean, marking this year’s UN theme for World Ocean Day, ‘Reimagine’.

The organisation said the ocean can recover if there is a fundamental shift in behaviour. Instead of increasing pressure on marine resources to make up for their decline, Oceana urged decision-makers to allow nature to rebuild what has been damaged and to effectively protect what remains in good condition for future generations.

‘Reimagining our relationship with the ocean means giving it a break – halting destruction and letting ecosystems recover,’ said Vera Coelho, Oceana’s Executive Director and Vice-President in Europe.

She added that ‘a healthy ocean is not a luxury’, but essential for people and the planet, as it provides food, sustains millions of livelihoods, supplies clean energy and protects communities from the worst impacts of climate change.

Oceana set out five urgent priorities for governments to restore the ocean’s health and abundance. These include enforcing laws aimed at protecting the ocean and ensuring sustainable human uses, effectively protecting and restoring marine habitats, keeping fishing within sustainable limits so fish populations can recover, increasing transparency at sea and ending impunity for illegal activities, and stopping pollution at its source.

According to the organisation, human pressure has pushed marine ecosystems to the brink, from depleted fish stocks to damaged habitats and rising pollution. However, it said that science-based and tested solutions already exist and have been part of legislation for years or even decades.

‘Preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring prosperous livelihoods in the long term go hand in hand. It is not a choice between the two,’ Coelho said.

She added that Europe’s challenge is no longer a lack of legislation, but implementation, ‘turning commitments into tangible change at sea’.

Coelho noted that the EU has more ocean than land, with 5.37 million square kilometres of maritime area compared with 4.22 million square kilometres of land territory, saying that the ocean must be given the attention its scale and value deserve.

Transition to cleaner transport, the future course of decarbonisation of the sector, shipping, as well as the adoption of Council Conclusions on the EU Ports Strategy were on the agenda of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport) which concluded Monday in Luxembourg, under the presidency of the Cyprus Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades and the Shipping Deputy Minister, Marina Hadjimanolis.

The Minister of Transport said in the press conference that under the Cyprus Presidency emphasis was placed on promoting Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy across all sectors, including transport.

He pointed out that the discussions highlighted the commitment to promoting cleaner and smarter transport, strengthening strategic connectivity and supply chains, as well as upgrading the role of ports and maritime industries as key pillars of trade, energy, and security.

The Minister also referred to the presentation of the progress Report on the proposal for a Regulation on Clean Corporate Vehicles, which is part of the broader automotive package.

He explained that the proposal aims to accelerate the transition to zero- and low-emission vehicles in corporate fleets, which represent a significant share of new registrations in the European Union.

He noted that the progress Report, reflecting the work carried out under the Cyprus Presidency, will guide the further advancement of the regulation in this important area.

Decarbonisation of the transport sector

A significant part of the work was also devoted to an exchange of views on the decarbonisation of transport beyond 2030. As the Minister stated, the discussion focused on how emissions reductions in the sector can be achieved while ensuring Europe’s competitiveness, affordability, resilience, and security of supply.

He recalled that transport accounts for approximately one third of total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and that, unlike other sectors, emissions have continued to increase in recent decades.

In this context, he stressed the importance of developing clean technologies, building the necessary infrastructure, and deploying renewable and alternative fuels across all modes of transport.

The Minister also referred to two Commission initiatives signed on the margins of the Council. The first concerns Automated Driving Corridors and Testing Fields, with the participation of 17 member states, including Cyprus, aiming to accelerate the development of automated driving technologies.

The second concerns the European Transport Corridors initiative, supported by 10 Member States, which aims to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure for zero-emission trucks along the TEN-T.

At the same time, the Council adopted Conclusions on the EU Ports Strategy. According to the Minister, the decision sends a strong political message on the strategic importance of European ports for the Union’s economy, security, and resilience.

The Minister described the Council as the culmination of the work of the Cyprus Presidency in the field of transport, stressing that over the past six months progress was achieved on issues related to clean mobility, connectivity, transport network resilience, and the development of a strategic vision for European ports.

Shipping Deputy Minister underlines the significance of Nicosia Declaration on Seafarers

On her part, the Shipping Deputy Minister, Marina Hadjimanolis, referring to maritime issues discussed at the Council, said that during the Cyprus Presidency emphasis was placed on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, sustainability, and strategic autonomy in the maritime sector.

She recalled the important initiative of the Cyprus Presidency, the ‘Nicosia Declaration on Strengthening Seafarers’ Education and Training and Promoting Equal Participation of Women in the Shipping Industry’, which was adopted in Cyprus in April by all member states.

She noted that the Declaration is also recognised in the conclusions adopted by the Council today.

As she stated, the Council adopted Conclusions on the EU Maritime Industrial Strategy, which recognise the maritime secto, including shipping, shipbuilding, ports, and related services, as a key element of Europe’s prosperity, security, connectivity, and decarbonisation.

At the same time, Deputy Minister noted that discussions confirmed broad support among Member States for continuing the decarbonisation pathway of maritime transport beyond 2030, with emphasis on the need for regulatory certainty and the promotion of investment in sustainable maritime fuels.

In this context, she also referred to the upcoming revision of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, as well as the importance of alignment with international developments within the International Maritime Organization.

The Republic of Cyprus has confirmed an incident involving interference with aircraft carrying the Greek, Dutch and French Defence Ministers while en route to Cyprus on Sunday evening to attend an informal EU Defence Ministers meeting.

Director of the President’s Press Office Victor Papadopoulos told CNA on Monday that Cyprus had been informed by the Ministers involved that their aircraft were subjected to interference originating from the illegal Tymbou airport.

He added that, in the case of Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, Turkish fighter jets were also observed operating in the area.

‘In the case of the Greek Defence Minister, it appears that Turkish fighter jets were flying at a distance, parallel to Mr Dendias’ flight,’ Papadopoulos said.

He said the Republic of Cyprus will raise the matter through the appropriate international channels.

‘All of this will be formally denounced by the Republic of Cyprus where appropriate. The Minister of Defence will today brief the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and will also inform the European Council during its proceedings,’ he said.

Papadopoulos described the incident as illegal and in violation of international law, adding that it is condemnable.

Asked whether the incident may be linked to broader Turkish actions ahead of the summit and the signing of the Cyprus-France Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) agreement, he declined to speculate, reiterating that it constituted an unlawful act.

Reliable sources in Athens said they assessed that the incident is part of a broader Turkish plan to respond to the SOFA agreement, due to be signed on Monday between France and the Republic of Cyprus, adding that the aircraft carrying the French Defence Minister was also subjected to similar interference.

The continuation of the “excellent” cooperation between the executive and legislative branches was discussed on Monday afternoon at the Presidential Palace by President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou, during their first official meeting following Demetriou’s re-election.

Welcoming Demetriou, President Christodoulides congratulated her on her re-election and expressed both his hope and confidence that the ‘excellent cooperation between the executive and legislative branches’ would continue.

He added that ‘the challenges and problems are common. Therefore, cooperation will continue, always for the benefit of the citizens.’

Demetriou said that cooperation between the two branches had indeed been exemplary and that it was imperative for it to continue, noting that the interests of citizens and country stand above all else.

She added that there are major challenges, reforms, and pending bills, assuring that she would do everything within her power, representing all her colleagues and ensuring functionality at the institutional level as well.

In statements following the meeting and responding to journalists’ questions, Demetriou said that during the meeting, ‘we highlighted, discussed, and emphasised the institutional cooperation that we had previously and that we must continue between the executive and legislative branches.’

At the same time, Demetriou said that the President also briefed her about his meeting earlier with UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín.

‘The President also briefed me on the Cyprus issue and the various developments,” she noted.

“We remain committed to this common goal, which is none other than the liberation and reunification of our homeland. For us, this is the highest priority, and we will remain steadfast within this framework,’ she pointed out.

Asked to describe cooperation between the Presidency and Parliament from 2023 to the present, Demetriou said that ‘it is an institutional necessity,’ noting that it has functioned properly to date, enabling the passage of legislation that benefits all citizens.

‘This is exactly how it must continue,’ she said.

Responding to a question about upcoming government bills expected to be discussed in Parliament, Demetriou referred to pension reform and other pending legislation.

After the membership and presidencies of parliamentary committees are set, she said, “MPs will immediately begin their work, as required, because we cannot wait. There are many issues, and they are critical.’

Regarding the threats against her life, she said that she briefly discussed the matter with the President of the Republic and noted that she had been informed on the matter by the police but did not wish to go into detail about the matter.

Asked whether she feels safe, she replied ‘of course I feel safe, and every politician should feel safe to express their opinion freely. Beyond that, some answers will need to be provided after the investigation is carried out.’

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, pays a visit to the Kyrgyz Republic on Monday, as part of his tour in Central Asia.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister’s contacts will focus on the further development of Cyprus-Kyrgyzstan bilateral relations, the increase in the frequency of contacts between the two countries at the political and diplomatic level, as well as coordination following the country’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027-2028.

The Foreign Minister has already paid visits to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kombos’ contacts in Central Asia are being carried out with the aim of promoting and further upgrading Cyprus’ relations with the countries of the region.

President Nikos Christodoulides described on Monday the interference with flights carrying EU Defence Ministers as ‘unacceptable’, saying that such behaviour also reflects a revisionist approach.

Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Palace following his meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, the President was asked to comment on the interference with the flights of Defence Ministers travelling to Cyprus for the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers.

‘Such interference is unacceptable,’ he said. ‘There is absolutely no justification for it’, he added, noting that the fact that it involves aircraft from European Union member states, France, the Netherlands and Greece, ‘also demonstrates, if you like, a revisionist approach.’

President Christodoulides said he had spoken on Sunday evening with Cyprus’ Defence Minister and was due to meet later in the day with Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias.

‘I have the impression that the issue will also be discussed at the Defence Ministers’ Council,’ he said, noting that, as far as he understood, the interference had not been limited to the aircraft carrying the Greek Defence Minister but had also affected the Defence Ministers of France and the Netherlands.

‘We expect the matter to be discussed at the Defence Ministers’ Council and, from there, we will consider what further action to take also with the EU’, he added.