The United States’ response to Hassan Nasrallah’s threats has highlighted the current level of cooperation in its relationship with Cyprus. Diplomatic circles in Nicosia emphasize the significance of the US reaction at this particular moment.
Hezbollah’s threats are extremely counterproductive, stated Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department, during a press briefing in Washington. He referred to the threats made by Hassan Nasrallah against Cyprus.
“These comments are extremely counterproductive, and Hezbollah should stop issuing threats against anyone. Our preference would be for Hezbollah to pursue a diplomatic solution, which is the most productive approach,” he said.
Matthew Miller added that “certainly, threats towards other countries that are not involved at all in this conflict (Israel-Hezbollah) are not a productive step for them.” According to the US State Department spokesperson, Nasrallah’s speech was not discussed in the recent meeting between the US and Cypriot foreign ministers because it had not yet occurred.
Matthew Miller mentioned the US-Cyprus foreign ministers’ meeting, emphasizing that it was “incredibly productive.” “It was an incredibly productive meeting. The Secretary of State thanked the Cypriot government for all its efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. I want to highlight again that Cyprus has played a crucial role as a coordination hub for the delivery of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, helping innocent Palestinians, ensuring they have food,” he noted.
In Nicosia, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, speaking after he met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, stated that Cyprus has repeatedly made it clear that the threats and statements from the Hezbollah leader are unfounded and that the country has not and will not engage in any military activities against any country in the region, particularly those that are victims of military attacks.
“Cyprus has no involvement in this matter; therefore, we consider the entire discussion to be baseless. Over the past months, we have been consistently offering support to the people in Gaza, in collaboration with various countries and the UN. So, we are equally surprised by these statements, as they have no substantial relevance to what Cyprus has done or represents,” he said.
Mr. Kombos added, “We have taken all necessary steps and implemented all required diplomatic measures,” referencing the positions of Lebanese authorities, the EU, Greece, the US, and other countries expressing their support and solidarity. “This is the current situation, and we are working to safeguard the interests of the Republic of Cyprus and its people,” he stated.
