Kyprianou: Cyprus’ stance on Gaza ‘based on principles’

ISRAEL did not violate the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) during its commando operation to halt a flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade that led to the death of nine people.

Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Nicos Emiliou said the issue was investigated by Cypriot authorities and FIR rules had not been violated.

“They were inside the Nicosia FIR but because the Israeli helicopters flew under a specific altitude (low), according to international rules there was no need for permission,” Emiliou told state radio.

On Monday, Israeli commandos, carried by helicopters, boarded a Turkish aid ship bound for Gaza, killing nine pro-Palestinian activists in the ensuing melee.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou said yesterday Cyprus recognised Israel’s right to live in conditions of peace.

“We condemn the launch of missiles from the Gaza area against Israeli citizens, but the blockade is not the solution,” Kyprianou said after a meeting with the representative of the Palestinian Authority in Cyprus Khalid Najjar. “This does not solve the problem … on the contrary is makes it worse.”

The minister reiterated that Cyprus’ position was for humanitarian aid to be allowed through so as to avoid such events.

“Humanitarian matters should be viewed in this way and helping the Palestinian people living in Gaza would be another step to help resolve the Palestinian problem,” Kyprianou said.

He added: “Of course Israel has every right to take care of its security but this does not mean obstructing humanitarian aid.”

The minister expressed hope that the recent events will not affect the proximity talks.

Concerning Cyprus involvement in the matter, Kyprianou said the island’s stance is based on principles and our decisions are defined by objective criteria. “We need to consider all the factors and take the necessary decisions but we have not compromised on positions of principle and we will not compromise,” the minister said,

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