Al-Akhbar”: Cyprus is trying to reduce Turkish influence on Lebanon, Hezbollah is also involved

According to the Beirut newspaper Al-Akhbar, some time ago the head of Cypriot intelligence Tasos Tsionis visited Lebanon. He met with the commander of the armed forces, General Rudolf Haykal, the head of military intelligence, General Tony Kahwaji, as well as representatives of Hezbollah.

The main topic discussed was maritime borders and the boundaries of exclusive economic zones. The emissary emphasized the inadmissibility of abandoning the bilateral agreement concluded in 2015.

The publication notes that the visit took place against the backdrop of a continuing deterioration in relations between Cyprus and Turkey, as well as a trip to Ankara by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The head of state held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey is challenging Cyprus’ right to independently decide on its natural gas-rich zone of economic interests, arguing it is a violation of the “sovereign rights” of the unrecognized republic of Northern Cyprus.

Ankara also does not want to allow Lebanon into regional energy projects, which, according to the publication, do not take into account the interests of Syria and lead to Beirut’s rapprochement with alliances hostile to Turkey.