Cyprus foreign minister discusses regional stability and european involvement

Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stated in a CNN interview that the situation on the island has returned to normality following regional instability. He emphasized that Cyprus is part of the region's geography but is not a participant in the ongoing conflict. Regarding the use of British military bases on the island, Kombos declined to speak for the UK government, but noted that London has clarified these facilities are used exclusively for defensive operations. The minister called for a stronger diplomatic presence from the European Union to facilitate de-escalation and a resolution to the war. He highlighted that Cyprus is already experiencing the consequences of the instability, including threats to maritime security, increased energy costs, and disruptions to supply chains. Kombos also noted that addressing the Middle East was a priority for the Cyprus EU Council presidency, which he described as a timely strategic choice. While he confirmed that the EU has expressed solidarity with Cyprus, he urged more active diplomatic engagement.