Greece’s foreign minister has strongly condemned recent threats by Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah against Cyprus, labeling them as “absolutely unacceptable” and affirming that the European Union (EU) will stand by its member state.
Speaking on Monday in Brussels, where EU foreign ministers were gathered for their monthly meeting, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis criticized Hezbollah’s warnings directed at Cyprus. “It is absolutely unacceptable to make threats against the sovereign state of the European Union,” Gerapetritis told reporters. “We stand by Cyprus, and we will all be together in all kinds of global threats coming from terrorist organizations.”
The controversy stems from remarks made by Hezbollah’s leader, Hasan Nasrallah, during a speech last week. Nasrallah warned that if Cyprus assisted Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Hezbollah would regard the Cypriot government as an adversary. “Opening Cypriot airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon would mean that the Cypriot government is part of the war, and the resistance will deal with it as part of the war,” Nasrallah stated.
In response, Cypriot officials dismissed Nasrallah’s accusations, emphasizing that Cyprus aims to contribute to peaceful solutions rather than exacerbate conflicts. “We are part of the solution, not the problem,” a Cypriot government spokesperson noted.
The EU meeting in Brussels underscored the bloc’s unified stance against threats to its member states, with Greece and other nations reaffirming their commitment to support Cyprus. This solidarity is particularly significant given Cyprus’s strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean and its proximity to ongoing conflicts in the region.
Hezbollah’s threats are part of a broader narrative of regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and their respective allies. Cyprus, a member of the EU since 2004, has traditionally maintained a neutral stance in Middle Eastern conflicts, but its geographical proximity and strategic alliances often put it in the crosshairs of regional disputes.
Greece’s firm support for Cyprus reflects the longstanding close ties between the two nations and their shared interests within the EU framework. This incident highlights the challenges EU member states face in navigating complex geopolitical tensions while upholding principles of sovereignty and security.
The EU’s stance against Hezbollah’s threats also underscores its broader commitment to counter-terrorism and support for regional stability. Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries including the United States and Germany, has a significant influence in Lebanon and is known for its militant activities and political involvement.
As the situation develops, Cyprus and its allies in the EU will likely continue to coordinate their responses to ensure that the threats are addressed appropriately and that regional stability is maintained.
Greece’s condemnation of Hezbollah’s threats against Cyprus highlights the EU’s unified stance against such provocations, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collective security among its member states.
