The Lebanese government has moved to de-escalate diplomatic tensions with Nicosia, issuing a “strong and unequivocal” condemnation of the drone attacks launched from its territory against Cyprus.
The intervention follows an official announcement by Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, who confirmed that the explosive-laden drones that struck the island last Sunday originated from Lebanon. Youssef Raggi expressed deep regret to his Cypriot counterpart via message, stressing that these acts do not represent the Lebanese state, its people, or its values.
Rejection of “External Agendas”
The Lebanese side emphasized its firm rejection of any attempt to turn Lebanon into a “launchpad” for external agendas. Lebanese officials urged their “Cypriot friends” to distinguish between the sovereign state of Lebanon and groups acting outside its legal framework and authority.
Central to this diplomatic outreach was a reminder of the Lebanese Cabinet’s recent emergency decision, which officially declared all military and security activities carried out by Hezbollah to be unlawful.
“The attacks against Cyprus must be understood in this context,” the Lebanese communication stated, clarifying that the strikes were carried out in direct contradiction to the sovereign decisions of the state.
The message concluded by reaffirming Lebanon’s full rejection of these “condemnable acts” without reservation, as the government in Beirut struggles to maintain control over its borders amid the widening regional conflict.
