[ad_1]
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A new perspective – without this meaning that the data and balances change with this decision – opens the partial lifting of the United States arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus.
The fact that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo personally announced this decision to Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis adds weight to the fact, while the time – before the US elections and in a period of tension cultivated by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean – has its importance.
Greek Foreign Minister: US Acknowledges the Role of the Republic of Cyprus
In a broadcast announcement (September 2, 2020) the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs It welcomes the American movement and links it directly to ensure stability and peace in the region:
“Greece welcomes the decision of the US government to partially lift the arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus.
This is an important step for the strengthening and deepening of cooperation between two friendly countries, but also proof of the recognition of the role played by the Republic of Cyprus as a country that contributes to stability and peace in the region.
“Greece will continue to work with Cyprus, the United States and countries in the region in general to consolidate security and stability in the region.”
AMMAR AWAD via Getty Images
Athens’ stance came amid Ankara’s reactions, and Turkey’s Foreign Ministry claimed that the US decision “poisons hopes for peace in the eastern Mediterranean” and added along the same lines that it would hurt from this. way. efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. The comment in the announcement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry is bordering on hype, stating that “The decision ignores equal treatment and the balance of power between the two communities on the island.”
For their part, US officials noted that the US approach would be “step-by-step”, not tied to developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, nor did they point to a change in the US position on the Cyprus issue. However, the move implies significant symbolism and a shift from an almost “historic” pattern, as Washington has consistently refused to lift the arms embargo on Cyprus, from 1987 (when it was imposed) until today.
It should be noted that on Wednesday, September 2, articles with almost identical wording and titles appear on all major Turkish websites (for example, in the Anadolu agency, in Hurriyet and in Sabah), where it is highlighted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey He categorically rejected the decision.
BIROL DUCK via Getty Images
What are the “non-lethal weapons” that the Republic of Cyprus will be able to acquire?
Asked by the Cyprus News Agency what are lethal and non-lethal weapons, the United States Under Secretary of State replied that the regulations do not give a formal definition, but everyone related to the defense industry knows who they are and who they are not. . Palmer said that non-lethal F-35 aircraft would certainly not be included.
The Cypriot news website SigmaLive reports that he spoke with retired Colonel Andi Loizou. When asked what we mean by “non-lethal weapons”, Loizou said that we do not mean cars and firearms when we speak of “non-lethal weapons”. It could be cameras, radars, search and rescue helicopters, thermal cameras, he added.
A related report to the Joint Intermediate Forces Capabilities Office for the specific US program indicates that it includes stereos, remote development devices, and other peripheral systems.
sources: Sigmalive, Anadolu Agency, Hurriyet Daily News
[ad_2]
