Turkey says US decision to end Cyprus arms embargo is ‘poison to the region’

·

An announcement by the United States that it will lift a 33-year arms embargo on Cyprus and deepen its security cooperation with Nicosia has prompted an angry response from Turkey.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said the decision “ignores the equality and balance between the two peoples on the island.”

“It is certain that this decision will also have negative effects on the efforts to reach a settlement on the Cyprus issue,” the Ministry’s statement reads.

“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.”

The statement comes a day after Cypriot President, Nicos Anastasiades, welcomed the lifting of the arms embargo on Twitter.

“I welcome the lifting of the US arms embargo on non-lethal defense articles. A positive development which reinforces further the bilateral security relationship between Cyprus and the United States,” Mr Anastasiades wrote.

The lifting of the embargo will be valid for one year and can be renewed on an annual basis. 

US officials reportedly said that the decision is not related to recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Greg Hunt MP praises Greek community for pop-up vax hubs in Prahran and Brunswick

The vaccination popup hubs being run by the Greek Community of Melbourne in Prahran and Brunswick have received support from Greg Hunt MP.

The Greek Herald and Digital Editor finalists in NSW Premier’s multicultural media awards

The Greek Herald and its Digital Editor Andriana Simos have been named finalists in the Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards.

16-year-old Victor Vernicos to represent Greece at Eurovision

16-year-old Victor Vernicos will represent Greece at this year's Eurovision song contest in Liverpool, the United Kingdom in May.