Cyprus’ President Dismisses Turkey’s Concerns Over Cyprus-US Defence Deal
The recent signing of a defence cooperation roadmap between Cyprus and the United States has sparked criticism from Turkey. However, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides responded firmly, rejecting Turkey’s concerns and emphasizing the strategic importance of the partnership. This agreement is seen as a significant step towards deepening the military cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the US.
Turkey’s Reaction to the Defence Roadmap
On Thursday, Turkey expressed strong opposition to the new Cyprus-US defence roadmap, calling it a threat to the security of Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish foreign ministry issued a statement criticizing the roadmap, accusing the United States of abandoning its neutral stance on the Cyprus issue. According to Turkey, these moves make it harder to achieve a fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, which has divided the island for decades.
Turkey pointed out that the US strategic dialogue with Cyprus, launched in June, is one of several steps that undermine stability on the island. They argue that this agreement could disrupt the delicate balance in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
US Neutrality Questioned
Turkey’s main argument is that the United States, once seen as a neutral party in Cyprus, is now siding with the Greek Cypriot government. They fear that the roadmap and other steps taken by the US, such as military cooperation and lifting the arms embargo, are signs of biased support for the Greek Cypriots. According to Turkey, this will further complicate peace negotiations between the two communities.
Cyprus President’s Response
President Nikos Christodoulides was quick to dismiss Turkey’s criticism, stating that Cyprus’ decisions are not influenced by Turkey. “It is not Turkey that determines our decisions,” Christodoulides said, adding that Cyprus’ actions are based on what is best for the country’s security and strategic interests.
He emphasized that the US recognition of Cyprus’ geostrategic importance was the driving force behind this cooperation. “The role of the Republic of Cyprus is being recognized,” Christodoulides stated, highlighting the positive approach the country has taken to strengthen its international relationships, particularly with the US.
Strategic Importance of the Agreement
The Cyprus-US defence roadmap is seen as a significant recognition of Cyprus’ growing role in the region. Christodoulides welcomed the US acknowledgment of Cyprus as an important player in maintaining regional stability and security. For Cyprus, this cooperation is not just about defence, but about strengthening its position on the global stage.
Cyprus-US Defence Cooperation Roadmap: Key Details
The Cyprus-US defence roadmap was signed in Nicosia on Monday and reaffirms the two nations’ commitment to tackling international security concerns together. In a joint statement, the defence ministries of Cyprus and the US pledged to enhance military cooperation and work on various security issues.
Cyprus’ Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas called the agreement a clear indication of the countries’ dedication to deepening their relationship. US Assistant Secretary of Defence for International Security Affairs, Celeste Wallander, described the roadmap as an “important milestone” in US-Cyprus relations.
Advancing Military Cooperation
One of the main goals of the roadmap is to increase the interoperability between the two countries’ military forces. This includes joint exercises, military education, and enhanced defence training. The roadmap also highlights the growth of the US-Cyprus State Partnership Program, which has played a vital role in strengthening their military ties.
Turkish Cypriot Concerns
The Turkish Cypriot side also voiced its displeasure with the roadmap. The foreign ministry in the northern part of Cyprus accused the US of showing increasing bias towards the Greek Cypriot government. They cited recent examples, including the docking of the USS Wasp in Limassol and the annual renewal of the US arms embargo lift for Cyprus, as further signs of the US aligning with the Greek Cypriots.
The Turkish Cypriot leadership warned that the defence roadmap could lead to dangerous consequences in the Eastern Mediterranean, destabilizing the region and worsening the Cyprus problem.
Fears of Regional Instability
The Turkish Cypriots argue that this growing cooperation between Cyprus and the US is disrupting the fragile balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. They called on the US to reconsider its approach, accusing Washington of fueling tensions in the region. In their view, this roadmap will make it harder to reach a peaceful settlement in Cyprus and could lead to broader instability.
Cyprus-US Dialogue for Stability
Despite the concerns from Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, Cyprus and the US remain committed to strengthening their defence ties. Following the signing of the roadmap, delegations from both countries held the third ‘Defence and Security Dialogue’ in Nicosia on Thursday. They discussed ways to further deepen their cooperation and ensure regional stability.
Ongoing Dialogue and Security Cooperation
The dialogue was led by Alton Buland, Principal Director for Europe and NATO Policy from the US Defence Department, and Brigadier General Charis Georgiou from Cyprus. The discussions focused on joint progress in security cooperation, including military training, joint exercises, and regional security initiatives. Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger security partnership through the Cyprus-US defence roadmap.
Conclusion: A Strong Partnership Moving Forward
The Cyprus-US defence roadmap marks a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries, with both sides committed to enhancing security and stability in the region. Despite Turkey’s objections, Cyprus sees this agreement as a crucial step towards strengthening its defence capabilities and ensuring long-term security. As the partnership grows, Cyprus continues to play a vital role in regional geopolitics, with the US recognizing its strategic importance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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