Cyprus says defence partnerships comply with international law after Turkish criticism

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ defence cooperation with other countries is conducted between friendly sovereign states and complies with international law, defence ministry sources said on Thursday. They were responding to Turkish criticism of the Republic’s military partnerships and armament programme.

Turkey raises concerns

Turkey’s defence ministry said earlier on Thursday that it was “closely monitoring” military developments in Cyprus. It argued that the Republic’s armament activities and cooperation with third countries could negatively affect the island’s “delicate balance and security environment”.

Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has signed a joint statement with his Greek and Egyptian counterparts, Nikos Dendias and Ashraf Salem Zaher. The statement pledges to develop cooperation and coordination among the three countries’ armed forces to enhance security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, defence ministry sources said the Republic develops partnerships with friendly states that are members of the international community. They said its cooperation follows international law and, on maritime matters, the Law of the Sea. The partnerships are not directed against any state, they added, but form part of wider efforts to promote regional security and stability.

Defence purchases and partnerships

Cyprus is buying Israeli systems, including the Barak MX air defence system. Greece is proceeding with the €3.035 billion Achilles Shield, much of which is based on Israeli technology, while almost €1.2 billion is available to Cyprus through the EU’s Safe defence mechanism.

The Israeli embassy in Nicosia told the Sunday Mail that Israel sees Cyprus as an increasingly important defence partner. It said there is clear potential to deepen cooperation between the countries’ defence industries, including through joint projects and technology.

In an earlier interview with the Cyprus Mail following the SOFA agreement with France, Palmas said Cyprus, as a recognised state, had the right to make agreements and form alliances with any member of the international community it considered appropriate.

“We will not ask anyone’s permission for the agreements we make, whether they concern the country’s political activity, defence or security. The security of our citizens is non-negotiable,” he said.