Cyprus stresses neutrality after Hezbollah threat over Israel war

Officials say Cyprus is pillar of peace' amid shock at warning it could become a target for Lebanese group

Cypriots have reacted with shock after threats from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that Cyprus could become a target if it allows Israel to use its territory in any conflict between the two sides, who diplomats fear are on the brink of a fully fledged war.

Despite the EU expressing unreserved support for its easternmost member, it was clear on Thursday that the Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's warning had set off alarm bells in Nicosia where officials insisted the island republic remained a pillar of peace" in an otherwise volatile region.