Activation of the Special National Plan ESTIA
In the context of the ongoing efforts to evacuate Cypriots and citizens of other nationalities from Sudan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Constantinos Kombos convened today the Ministerial Crisis Management Team (comprised of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Interior, Justice and Public Order).
The Ministerial team decided to activate the Special National Plan ESTIA for the reception and repatriation of foreign citizens from an area in crisis through the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
In view of the above, the Republic of Cyprus intends to offer facilities to friendly countries for the repatriation of their nationals from Sudan through Cyprus.
25 April 2023
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:The Special National Plan ‘’ESTIA’’ is the National Action Plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, which is activated in case of emergency or crisis situation in order to allow for the safe evacuation of civilians from a nearby crisis area (from the wider Middle East region) through Cyprus.
It may also be implemented in cases of natural disasters in the region, which might also result to the evacuation of EU and third country citizens through Cyprus.
Depending on the nature of the crisis and the severity of the situation, the Plan has 4 stages of activation:
ESTIA-1The Ministerial Crisis Management Team activates the Plan following recommendation of the Executive Crisis Management Team (ECMT). The National Crisis Management Centre is staffed with representatives of the involved services (Crisis Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cyprus Police, National Guard, Civil Defence, Medical Services)
ESTIA-2Activation of all Operation Centers of the involved services, Regional Centers and Local Centers at the ports and airports of the Republic of Cyprus. Readiness of personnel and assets to apply the Plan.
ESTIA-3 (stage which was activated today)Full activation of the plan by the Ministerial Crisis Management Team.
ESTIA- 4De-escalation of measures, restoration and preparedness reset to normal. Assessment of damage, casualties and environmental destruction.
Note: In case of a natural disaster in the region there is an immediate implementation of ESTIA 3