Security measures stepped up amid increased terror fears

POLICE have taken extra measures to increase security outside embassies in Cyprus after this week’s devastating terrorist attacks on British targets in Istanbul.
Patrol cars have been stationed outside the American, Israeli and Russian Embassies and the British High Commission as they are considered to be prime targets for terrorist attack.

Police public relations officer Demetris Demetriou yesterday told the Cyprus Mail that all countries are concerned for the safety of their citizens. “Like any other country, we are of course taking extra precautionary measures and increasing our security as embassies are considered to be prime targets for attacks,” said Demetriou.

Security will also be tighter at the airports to monitor who is entering the country. Extra police and guards will also be placed at checkpoints from the occupied areas.
Buildings such as foreign banks, the British Council or the American FBIS monitoring station will not, however, be protected by added security.

Foreign Minister George Iacovou said yesterday Cyprus was concerned at the possible terrorist threat. He said police were doing their utmost to secure areas considered as primary targets.

The government yesterday expressed its condolences to Turkey and Britain for their losses after Thursday’s terrorist attacks. President Tassos Papadopoulos also sent condolence letters to the prime ministers of both countries and condemned all acts of terrorism.

The British Bases in Cyprus said yesterday they remained on high alert. Spokesman Dennis Barnes told the Cyprus Mail they were constantly updating their security.
“We already have a high security level and at the moment, even though we do not feel Cyprus is a particular target for terrorist attack, we are concerned. We are at our highest state of alert,” said Barnes.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.