US decision to lift Cyprus arms embargo

Greece’s Foreign Ministry has welcomed a decision by the United States to lift a 33-year arms embargo on Cyprus as “a key step toward strengthening and deepening cooperation” between the two countries.

In a statement Wednesday, the ministry said that the move was evidence that Washington recognizes Cyprus’ contribution “to peace and stability in the region.”

It added that Greece will continue to work with Cyprus, the US and other states with the aim of “consolidating security and stability in the region.”

In a message on Twitter Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would waive restrictions on the sale of non-lethal defense articles and services to Cyprus for the coming fiscal year.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry slammed the decision saying it “disregards the equality and balance” on the island and that Ankara expects its NATO ally to “review” it.

The embargo, imposed in 1987, was designed to prevent an arms race that would hinder U.N.-facilitated reunification efforts for Cyprus. It was directed against the southern, Greek Cypriot part of the island, where Cyprus’ internationally recognized government is seated.

Cyprus split in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Turkey, the only nation to recognize a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the island’s north, maintains more than 35,000 troops there.

The move came at a time of increased friction between Turkey and its eastern Mediterranean neighbors, Greece and Cyprus, over offshore energy explorations rights. Warships from the two NATO allies have been shadowing each other in recent weeks as Turkish survey vessels and drill ships continue to prospect for hydrocarbons in waters where Greece and Cyprus claim exclusive economic rights.

Cyprus government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos told The Associated Press that the Trump administration’s action with the arms embargo was less about bolstering the country militarily than underscoring the significant role that Washington attributes to Cyprus in helping to strengthen regional security and stability.

U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Judith Garber said the lifting of the embargo strengthens the U.S.-Cyprus security partnership while boosting regional security. She said Washington informed Turkey of the embargo lifting late Tuesday and urged that “there not be an over-reaction to this decision.”

Garber said the aim of the embargo lifting is to make Cyprus a “more capable partner” in dealing with challenges like terrorism, weapons trafficking and maritime security without having to sell the the country lethal weapons.

The ambassador said Washington waived a requirement for Cyprus to cease offering refueling and other port services to Russian warships, but that it would continue to “encourage” Cypriot government authorities to deny those services.