Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has defended Cyprus’ expanding network of military partnerships, saying the republic will not seek anyone’s approval for defence agreements and that Turkey should focus on its own conduct and the continuing occupation of the island.
He said Cyprus has the right to conclude agreements, develop relations and forge alliances with any members of the international community it considers appropriate, and described the security of citizens as non-negotiable.
Defence ties and sovereignty
In an interview with The Cyprus Mail, Palmas responded to criticism of Cyprus’ growing defence ties and the signing of Status of Forces Agreements, including a recently concluded agreement with France.
He said the Republic of Cyprus is a recognised state and has the right to conclude agreements, develop relations and forge alliances with any member of the international community it considers appropriate.
Palmas said Cyprus would not ask anyone’s permission for the agreements it makes, whether they concern political activity, defence or security.
Response to concerns over regional tensions
Rejecting suggestions that closer ties with countries such as France, Greece, Israel and the United States could make Cyprus a target or provoke Turkey, Palmas said international cooperation was essential in the current geopolitical climate.
He said states in the modern era need synergies, friendly relations and cooperation with other countries to safeguard the prospects and future of their people.
Comments on Turkey
Palmas said Ankara should engage in self-criticism over what he described as the illegal occupation of Cypriot territory.
He said Turkey should address issues relating to what he called the illegal occupation, for the past 52 years, of European Union land, in this case that of the Republic of Cyprus.
France agreement and EU funding
Palmas said agreements such as Status of Forces Agreements were only possible when underpinned by strong political relations, adding that France was a strategic partner and one of the European Union’s leading member states.
He also outlined how Cyprus intends to use the European Union’s Security Action for Europe mechanism, through which the country has secured access to up to €1.18 billion in long-term loans.