US extends Cyprus arms embargo waiver for another year

Nicosia, Cyprus. The United States has extended its waiver of the arms embargo on Cyprus for another year, a decision President Nikos Christodoulides said sends a clear message about relations between Washington and the Republic of Cyprus. He said the two countries’ ties are being strengthened, particularly in defence and security.

Defence cooperation

Christodoulides said that, beyond the measures announced by the United States, other programmes are underway concerning the modernisation of the Republic of Cyprus’ infrastructure.

He referred specifically to the Andreas Papandreou airbase in Paphos and said discussions with the United States were also continuing on the procurement of defence equipment.

He also noted that Leonidas Pheraiou became the first Cypriot national to enrol at the US Naval Academy in May.

Airbase upgrades

Potential upgrades to the Andreas Papandreou airbase have been under consideration for several years.

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said last year that he expected renovations to cost between €10 million and €14 million, depending on the recommendations and proposals submitted.

Military procurement programmes

Military ties between Cyprus and the United States have strengthened in recent years. The United States authorised Cyprus to purchase military hardware directly from its government after Cyprus joined three programmes run by the US Department of Defense.

Cyprus was incorporated into the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s foreign military sales programme and excess defence articles programme, and will also receive resources under the United States’ Title 10 security assistance provisions.

Participation in the foreign military sales programme allows the Cypriot government to purchase military hardware directly from the US government. Previously, Cyprus could only purchase US military hardware through private companies.

Direct purchases are expected to enable the government to obtain weapons and other equipment at lower prices, as the US government acquires equipment in bulk and can offer lower prices than private companies to a military the size of the National Guard.

Turkish Cypriot reaction

The Turkish Cypriot ‘foreign ministry’ condemned the decision to extend the waiver, saying it “deeply regret[s] this decision”.