Turkey says US lifting arms embargo on Southern Cyprus ‘poisons peace, stability’

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA) - Archive

Click to read the article in Turkish

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey has condemned the US decision to lift arms embargo on Southern Cyprus.

Releasing a written statement on its official website yesterday (September 1), the Ministry has stated the following:

"The U.S. decision announced today (September 1) to lift the arms embargo against the Greek Cypriot Administration ignores the equality and balance between the two peoples on the Island.

'This decision will certainly have negative effects'

"It is certain that this decision will also have negative effects on the efforts to reach a settlement to the Cyprus issue. In a time, where efforts are spent to reduce the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, the US's approval of such a decision, which poisons the peace and stability environment in the region, does not comply with the spirit of alliance.

"We expect the US to reconsider this decision and support the ongoing efforts to establish peace and stability in the region.

"Otherwise, Turkey, as a guarantor country, will take the necessary decisive counter steps to guarantee the security of the Turkish Cypriot people, in line with its legal and historical responsibilities."

Lifting of US embargo on Southern Cyprus

In a phone call with Southern Cyprus leader Nikos Anastasiadis, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US lifted the arms embargo on the Greek Cypriots for the 2021 financial year.

Spokesperson for the US Department of State Morgan Ortagus released a written statement shortly afterwards and said:

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Republic of Cyprus (ROC) President Nicos Anastasiades. Secretary Pompeo and President Anastasiades discussed the deepening U.S.-ROC bilateral security relationship.

"Secretary Pompeo informed President Anastasiades of his decision to waive restrictions temporarily for FY 2021 on the export, re-export, retransfer, and temporary import of non-lethal defense articles and defense services controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation destined for or originating in Cyprus.

"The Secretary reaffirmed U.S. support for a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, which would benefit all Cypriots as well as the wider region."

Pompeo: Republic of Cyprus is a key partner

Sharing a brief message on Twitter, Pompeo has also said:

"The Republic of Cyprus is a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean. I am pleased to announce that we are deepening our security cooperation. We will waive restrictions on the sale of non-lethal defense articles and services to the Republic of Cyprus for the coming fiscal year."

In a decree dated April 14, US President Donald Trump delegated the authority to lift the arms embargo on Southern Cyprus to Secretary of State Pompeo. (EKN/SD)