Cyprus to help EU evacuation of citizens from Lebanon

Cyprus said Friday it was ready to support a joint EU-coordinated mass evacuation of Europeans stranded in Lebanon following fresh air attacks from Israeli forces.

Cypriot foreign ministry official Sotos Zackheos said there was a French proposal being mulled for a coordinated EU effort, although no final decision had been taken.

"They have asked for facilities in case this mission is conducted concerning all EU citizens, and Cyprus has given its consent for Cypriot ports to be used," Zackheos told reporters.

He said the 25 EU foreign ministries were later Friday to thrash out the possibility of an action plan either by sea or air.

Meanwhile, Nicosia has negotiated with Athens that between 50 to 60 Cypriots be airlifted to safety along with 50 or more Greek nationals trapped in Beirut.

Some 102 Cypriots and 13 foreign nationals arrived safely back in Cyprus on Friday morning after the government arranged a special flight from Damascus to evacuate people stranded in Lebanon after Israeli air attacks closed Beirut international airport.

Due to Lebanon-bound flights being diverted to Cyprus, the government has agreed to waiver visa restrictions over the next week or so. Lebanese nationals arriving on the island will be able to apply for a Cyprus visa on arrival at Larnaca airport.