WRITTEN STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF OEB, MR. GIORGOS PANTELIDIS
IN RELATION TO THE CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN CYPRUS
“Cyprus does not participate in military operations in the Middle East and will not be involved, as the Government explicitly assures.
The geographical proximity of the country to the fields of operations and the incident with the drone at the British Base of Akrotiri at midnight on Sunday, rightly activated the State reflexes immediately and with the assistance of allied countries, mainly Greece, Cyprus creates a strong dome of defensive protection against any threat or accident.
The citizens’ anxiety about the situation is understandable. Given this, timely and valid information is required to avoid unnecessary panic.
I emphasize that business activity continues without any substantially detectable obstacles in any sector of the economy. The only negative development is the temporary suspension of the flights of some airlines to our airports.
However, it was with great relief that we saw yesterday’s announcement by Hermes Airports confirming (a) that the majority of airlines have never interrupted their flight schedule and (b) that some airlines that temporarily suspended, have resumed their routes to Larnaca and Paphos and we hope that others will follow. It is a development that adds to the stability and security of our country.
The return to normality of daily social and business life must be done without delay, before damage is caused to the economy for no reason or cause. The Government should immediately and proactively consider measures to absorb the possible consequences of the expected increases in fuel and raw materials as well as the adoption of targeted actions to support the hotel and tourism sector.
The media have contributed decisively from the first moment to objectively informing citizens about the events and guiding them for the active and passive protection measures promoted by the competent authorities. We are confident that they will continue responsible information with the aim of the country’s full return to normality.”
