Nicosia, Cyprus. US Representative Nicole Malliotakis called for the permanent removal of the United States arms embargo on Cyprus after Turkey deployed F-16 fighter jets to the island’s north.
Call for End Cyprus Embargo Act vote
Malliotakis described Turkey’s move as “a brazen provocation against a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean” and said it “endangers Cyprus’ sovereignty, destabilises the region, and calls for a response from Congress.”
She urged House leadership to bring the proposed bill, End Cyprus Embargo Act, to the floor without delay, arguing that the legislation would enable Cyprus to acquire advanced defensive systems and plan essential procurement contracts.
“The arms embargo doesn’t just block Cyprus from getting weapons – it also prevents them from planning for future threats,” Malliotakis said.
She said current waivers are issued annually, limiting Cyprus’ ability to secure sustained contracts for advanced systems capable of intercepting drone threats.
“Remove the embargo permanently, and Cyprus would likely start buying these systems from US industry – a win for our ally, a boost for American defence jobs, and a step toward regional stability,” she added.
Turkey’s deployment and responses
The call followed Turkey’s stationing of six F-16s and air defence assets at Tymbou (Ercan) airport in the north, in response to a build up of tension in the region and the stationing of European warships off the Cyprus coast.
Ankara described the deployment as a response to perceived European support for the republic, with Turkish defence officials asserting the measures would continue depending on regional developments.
President Nikos Christodoulides condemned the deployment as “a continuation of its occupation” and emphasised the significant presence of Turkish forces and military equipment in the north.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman sought to downplay the rhetoric, describing the deployment as “a reaction against European mobilisation” while affirming that “our priority is the security of the whole of the island, not just the Turkish Cypriots, but the Greek Cypriots as well.”
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