Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Monday that no discussions have taken place on the permanent deployment of Greek F-16 fighter jets or a Greek naval vessel in Cyprus. He said the current presence of Greek military assets on the island is temporary.
Greek deployment described as temporary
Palmas said Cyprus and Greece are continuing to assess developments in the region following heightened tensions in the Middle East, but no decision has been made on a longer-term military presence.
He said the F-16s remain in Cyprus and the frigate Elli remains in Cypriot territorial waters, but that the deployment is temporary. He added that there have been no discussions on either a temporary extension or a permanent presence, and that any need for a longer stay would be considered after circumstances are reassessed.
Military assets sent after March incident
The F-16s and the frigates Psara and Kimon were dispatched to Cyprus in March after an Iranian made drone fired from Lebanon hit Akrotiri base. The two frigates were later replaced by the Elli. Other vessels from other European countries also joined them soon afterward.
Government thanks Greece and other countries
Palmas reiterated the government’s gratitude to Greece and other countries that supported Cyprus during the recent regional crisis, saying they helped provide a “protective umbrella” for the Republic.
France agreement does not provide for permanent presence
Addressing the recently signed Status of Forces Agreement between Cyprus and France, Palmas rejected reports that it paves the way for a permanent French military presence on the island.
He said the agreement reflects the strong relationship between the two countries and is intended to facilitate cooperation in areas including joint exercises, training programmes, information sharing and other forms of military collaboration.
Palmas said the framework allows French forces to remain in Cyprus for limited periods when required for specific operations, including humanitarian or evacuation missions in the wider region. He said French forces could, for example, use Cyprus as a staging point during efforts to assist French nationals leaving conflict zones in the Middle East.
Comparison with Eldyk rejected
Palmas said the arrangement is not comparable to the longstanding presence of Greece’s force in Cyprus, Eldyk, which has been stationed on the island for decades.