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Cyprus Rules out Role in Any US Strike on Syria

Cyprus Rules out Role in Any US Strike on Syria
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Local Editor

Cyprus said on Monday it would have no involvement of any kind in a potential US-led strike on Syria, which lies about 100 km to its east.


Cyprus Rules out Role in Any US Strike on SyriaIt would, however, be ready to offer assistance to third-country nationals evacuated from the Middle East, Cypriot government spokesman Christos Stylianides said.
The island's close proximity to the Middle East and the British military bases there has given rise to speculation about its role in a US-led strike, even though Britain's parliament has ruled out any offensive operation.

"Any contribution of the Republic of Cyprus is strictly humanitarian," Stylianides said. "It's clear that in no case will it become a launch-pad of military operations, or a target of attacks."
A significant number of countries had asked Cyprus to host its nationals and offer humanitarian aid if necessary, Stylianides said in a statement.

With Syria being one of its geographically-closest neighbors, Cypriot officials have been at pains to stress the island is a safe destination.

But there are concerns about the impact any escalation of tensions could have on its tourist industry, a main earner for the island, which was economically crippled by the terms of an international bailout in March.

Source: News agencies, Edited by website team