Police and other competent state services are on constant alert to deal with possible terrorist threats, particularly following developments in the Middle East, Police spokesperson Vyron Vyronos told CNA.
He said the exchange of information and cooperation with foreign security services help authorities identify in time persons who may be planning terrorist acts.
Referring to the case under investigation in Cyprus for terrorism-related offences, Vyronos said four persons are currently in custody. He declined to comment on reports concerning the arrest of a 37-year-old suspect in Greece, who is believed to be linked to the case.
He stressed that the Republic of Cyprus maintains close cooperation with EU member states and other countries, as well as with international organisations such as Europol and Interpol, as part of efforts to prevent and deal with terrorist threats.
Asked by CNA about the arrest of the 37-year-old terrorism suspect in Crete, and reports that Greek authorities appear to have acted on information from Cyprus, Vyronos said he could not go into details. He noted, however, that there is cooperation with the Greek authorities, as well as with other services.
‘The case is being investigated in Cyprus and four persons are in custody,’ he said.
Asked about the readiness of the Cyprus Police to deal with possible terrorist acts, Vyronos said the Police and the other services of the Republic have been on constant alert for some time, particularly after the outbreak of the war in the Middle East.
‘There is cooperation with services of other countries, information is exchanged on the basis of existing bilateral agreements, the situation is being monitored and actions are being taken so that persons who may be planning any terrorist act on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus can be identified in time,’ he said.
Vyronos made it clear that he could not provide any further information on the matter, which has to do with national security. He assured citizens, however, that the authorities of the Republic are on alert to identify any threat.
Asked whether the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, which is being set up and is often referred to as the ‘Cyprus FBI’, will play a leading role in dealing with terrorist threats, Vyronos said that although the Directorate has not yet been established, the services that will make it up have not stopped working in this direction and will continue to do so once it is set up.
Asked about international cooperation to address terrorist threats, the Police spokesperson said that the Cypriot authorities have direct and full cooperation with EU countries and others, both bilaterally and through organisations such as Interpol and Europol.