The Republic of Cyprus is in diplomatic contact with Moscow over a recent ban on the entry of three Cyprus interior ministry officials into Russia, according to the Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymiotis. In a recent interaction with journalists at the Presidential Palace, Letymiotis described the situation as an “unpleasant development”. However, he assured the media that the Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία had taken all necessary measures to provide for the security of the country and preserve its interests. He also emphasized the need for patience, saying, “We are in contact through diplomatic channels, let’s let diplomacy work”.
These three officials were not directly involved in the core issue but were rather concerned with enforcing decisions by relevant authorities. The entry ban by Moscow follows the suspension and expulsion of a Russian Government newspaper correspondent from Cyprus in October of last year. The announcement of the ban was made by the Russian Foreign Ministry last Thursday.
