Christodoulides and Lebanon PM discuss regional stability amid Middle East tensions

The volatile situation in the Middle East, its consequences, and methods for de-escalation were key topics during the meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Mikati was not going to attend the UN General Assembly taking place in New York, however sources close to the matter said in light of “crucial developments” he decided to fly out for a series of contacts.

The meeting took place at the UN headquarters at 7pm Cyprus time. During the discussion, the Lebanese Prime Minister praised the role of the Republic “as a pillar of stability in the region”, acknowledging its contributions to humanitarian aid in the Eastern Mediterranean area.

He expressed gratitude for Cyprus’ valuable contributions to humanitarian operations where there is need and for its efforts, alongside other nations, to de-escalate tensions.

The two leaders also discussed recent developments regarding the Cyprus problem and other matters related to regional developments.

Attending the meeting from the Cypriot side were Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations Maria Michail, and Director of the President’s Office Victoras Papadopoulos.

Christodoulides also said the United States and France are trying to hammer out an interim accord to halt hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah with a view to opening broader diplomatic talks.

“I don’t see that we can have a broad agreement but a form of interim agreement in order to avoid further escalation. This is the effort right now especially from the United States and France,” hetold Reuters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The meeting between Christodoulides and Mikati took place as the UK deployed 700 troops to Cyprus as it prepares for mass evacuations from Lebanon.

Though the government has activated its Estia evacuation plan since August, the foreign ministry said Cyprus is at the highest level of preparedness for evacuations from the region.

Fierce fighting this week between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah has increased fears that nearly a year of conflict will explode and destabilise the Middle East, where a war between Hamas and Israel is already raging in Gaza.