FINANCE MINISTER Michalis Sarris said yesterday that the Republic of Cyprus is paying up to £100,000 on a daily basis on overtime, means of transport and other expenses to serve the foreign citizens evacuating Lebanon, adding however that Cyprus can cope with this cost.
Speaking to CNA at Larnaca Port, where he visited the areas foreign citizens occupy on arrival from Lebanon, Sarris said he wanted to see “the effort Cyprus has made to help out in the tragedy that has hit Lebanon”.
“Europe has already decided to allocate to Cyprus an amount of around £3.5 million, about seven million euros, in the context of a broader aid to those taking part in these initiatives,” Sarris pointed out, adding that volunteer work has cut down the state’s expenses.
Asked what the consequences would be on Cyprus’ economy from the war in Lebanon, Sarris said the neighbouring countries would be affected.
“If there is a prolonged crisis, we will be adversely affected,” he said, adding that “for the time being our hotels have benefited from the fact that so many foreigners are passing through Cyprus and maybe the consequences will not be so significant.”
Sarris added that “in the medium term there will be positive developments because many of the enterprises based in Lebanon will choose Cyprus to be the financial centre of the region.”
He said Cyprus has many comparative advantages which will make the island stand out in the region among Cairo, Damascus and other capitals.
Meanwhil, the Cabinet yesterday approved emergency Humanitarian Assistance of $100,000 for the people of Lebanon, while the Cyprus branch of the “Doctors of the World” have escorted to Lebanon medical supplies donated by Cyprus and the Pharmaceutical companies worth $60,000.
In addition, several Cypriot NGO’s have responded immediately to the needs of the Lebanese people and are gathering humanitarian aid comprising of food, medical supplies, clothing, bedding, etc. NGO’s are coordinating with the competent Cypriot authorities for the immediate shipment of this aid to Lebanon. Cyprus’ mobilisation to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon is continuing at all levels.
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