Anti-Piracy Operations to counter piracy
CYPRUS and France joined forces yesterday for a joint exercise south of the island, in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and flight information region (FIR).
“This is the first time an exercise of this breadth takes place and indeed with a Cypriot helicopter landing on a French war vessel,” Defence Minister Demetris Eliades said.
The search and rescue exercise took place between 8am and 12pm, coordinated by the Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC)
The scenario involved a piracy incident supposedly taking place within Cyprus’ EEZ with injured people being transported to Larnaca General Hospital by helicopter.
The exercise was attended by French and Cypriot officials with Eliades praising “the spirit of unity, complete coordination and excellent collaboration” between the two countries,
“According to international law, Cyprus has sovereign rights over its EEZ and FIR. However, we also have obligations when it comes to search and rescue,” Eliades said.
Various bodies worked together yesterday including the police, Larnaca General Hospital, and port authorities while a French helicopter and a French frigate also participated.
Eliades said more exercises of this kind would take place in the future with France and other countries.
Source: Cyprus Mail
