Evangelos Apostolakis

'It is my conviction that this channel of communication must remain open. We want to reduce tensions as an accumulation of tensions can lead to escalation,' said Evangelos Apostolakis.

'Adopting tactics of escalation that lead to an impasse and are fruitless is of no use. It is not a sign of strength. It is a sign of weakness,' the PM said in response to remarks by Tayyip Erdogan.

'We are monitoring the situation and are obliged to be in a constant state of readiness,' said Cypriot Defence Minister Savvas Angelidis.