The US decision to partially lift the arms embargo against Cyprus was announced today to President Anastasiadis by Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo.
The news was announced during a press conference, given by telephone to Greek correspondents in the US, by Assistant Undersecretaries of State Matthew Palmer and Mike Miller
The partial lifting will be valid for one year - with the possibility of renewal - and will concern the so-called "non-lethal" weapon systems.
The officials noted that the US approach will be gradual and that the decision is not linked to developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, nor does it signal a change in the US standing position on the Cyprus issue.
US decision to lift arms embargo recognizes Cyprus role, Government Spokesman says
The US decision to lift the embargo imposed on Cyprus in 1987, as it relates to non-lethal equipment, is a recognition of Cyprus' role in the region, as well as an indication of the importance attached by both countries to strengthening bilateral Government spokesman Kyriakos Kousios said in a written statement, especially in the field of defense and security.
In his written statement, Mr. Kousios refers to the telephone communication that the President of the Republic, Nikos Anastasiadis, had with the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday afternoon, at the initiative of the American side, noting that Mr. Pompeo informed President of the Republic on the US decision to lift the embargo on non-lethal equipment.
He noted that "during the talks, the President of the Republic and the US Secretary of State made a detailed review of developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, the threats to peace and stability in the region as a result of Turkey's challenges, with a clear position Mr. Pompeo that the United States recognizes the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece and the urgent need to engage in dialogue, based on international law, as a necessary condition for the creation and consolidation of conditions of stability and peace in the region. "
According to Mr. Kousios, the President of the Republic informed the US Secretary of State about Turkey's illegal actions in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus and its threats regarding the issue of the enclosed city of Famagusta.
President Anastasiadis stressed the need to send clear messages to the Turkish side to prevent the implementation of its illegal plans, which not only contradict the relevant decisions of the UN Security Council, but further create difficulties in trying to resume talks, the spokesman said.
He also points out that during the conversation, Mr. Pompeo informed the President of the Republic about the US decision to lift the embargo imposed on Cyprus in 1987, as far as non-lethal equipment is concerned.
"This development, as a common finding, is a recognition of the role of Cyprus in the region as well as an indication of the importance attached by the two countries in strengthening their bilateral relations, especially in the field of defense and security. This is also confirmed by the progress made in these matters after the signing of the Statement of Intent of the Republic of Cyprus-USA on November 6, 2018 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Nikos Christodoulidis and the then US Deputy Secretary of State in charge of European Affairs, Mr. "Wes Mitchell," said the spokesman.
He notes that Mr. Pompeo expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation developed between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus.
Finally, according to Mr. Cousios, the President and the US Secretary of State reaffirmed the very satisfactory course of Cyprus-US relations in general and reaffirmed their joint commitment to further deepen cooperation in all areas.
Source: KYPE