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The news of the partial lifting of the US arms embargo on the country is monopolizing interest in Cyprus.
The development took place Tuesday night 09/01/2020 through Matthew Palmer and Mike Miller during a press conference offered to Greek correspondents in the US.
Under Secretary of State Matthew Palmer said the United States views the Eastern Mediterranean as a strategic area in which they compete to positively influence, in line with their national security strategy, working alongside partners in the region, including the Republic of Cyprus.
He also linked the decision to visits by American ships to Cypriot ports, training programs for Cypriot soldiers, the presence of a Cypriot military supporter.
According to Miller, decisions about the sale of non-lethal military systems will be made on a case-by-case basis, as is the case.
What do we mean by “non-lethal weapons”?
The partial lifting will be valid for one year – with the possibility of renewal – and will affect “non-lethal” systems. US officials noted that the US approach will be step-by-step, not tied to developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, nor does it indicate a change in the US position on the Cyprus issue.
When asked by KYPE what deadly and non-lethal weapons are, Mike Miller said the regulations don’t give a formal definition, but everyone involved in the defense industry knows what they are and what they are not. In fact, answering another relevant question, Matthew Palmer said that non-lethal F-35 jets would certainly not be included.
SigmaLive spoke with retired Colonel Andis Loizou, who said that this move is a positive step that, however, should be used properly. He added that it is a success for the Government, but stressed that it is not easy for a country like Cyprus, with the economic problems that govern it, to join the US arsenal. The country already has an arsenal, stressed the retired colonel.
When asked what we mean by “non-lethal weapons”, Mr. Loizou said that we do not mean cars and firearms when we speak of “non-lethal weapons”. It can be cameras, radars, search and rescue helicopters, thermal cameras, Loizou said.
A related report to the Joint Intermediate Forces Capabilities Office for the US program indicates that it includes stereos, remote development devices, and other peripherals.
Source: sigmalive
