Cyprus to host mass evacuation exercise

A large multinational crisis management exercise will take place in Larnaca next Monday and Tuesday with the participation of 13 countries.

The drill will be executed in the framework of the national crisis management action plan ‘Estia’, providing for the mass evacuation of citizens from the Middle East via Cyprus.

The countries taking part are Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Canada, the UK, the USA, Norway and Holland.

All countries are members of the Non Combatant Evacuation Coordination Group, to which Cyprus became a member last year.

Representatives of the European External Action Service will also take part as observers.

At the same time, the foreign ministry will take part at the multidisciplinary, multinational exercise ‘Argonaut 2014’, as the competent authority handling crises pertinent to foreign policy matters.

The exercise is being organised by the National Guard General Staff.

Moreover, the mass arrival of evacuees will be simulated at Larnaca port, including all procedures for the landing, inspection of documents, transportation and temporary placement of evacuees, until their repatriation.

The exercise will be attended by representatives and diplomats of foreign countries and representatives of international organisations. (CNA)

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