Following the lifting of the embargo on arms sales to Cyprus by the US, the Cypriot National Guard is gaining access to US weapons for the first time.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, in an interview with protothema.gr’s correspondent in Nicosia, expressed satisfaction because among the programmes in which the United States has included Cyprus is the one of providing defence equipment from the stocks of the US armed forces.

As Nikos Christodoulides revealed, “we have already proceeded last week with a demonstration of interest in specific defensive equipment from the US stockpiles. We have informed them officially, by verbal communication, that we as the Republic of Cyprus are interested in securing this defence equipment, which is very important for our plans and we are waiting for the official response from the US side.” The Cypriot President said that the US has notified Nicosia of specific defence equipment it is offering and expressed optimism that the green light will be given for a visit by Cypriot officers to the US to “see for themselves what we want to secure so that they can move forward.”

Subsequently, the Cypriot President referred to Cyprus’ participation in the EU SAFE programme and the utilisation of Cypriot defence equipment production companies. There is also a decision to consider the possibility of borrowing from the European Investment Bank for defence purposes.

He made it clear that the rumor that Turkey is gaining access to EU funds for the purchase of weapons systems is misinformation, as such participation requires unanimity.

Finally, the Cypriot President referred to the upgrading of the Air Base in Paphos and the Naval Base in Mari.

The Air Base will be upgraded in cooperation with the US and the Naval Base with France and the EU. The projects will be carried out under transnational agreements without the involvement of intermediaries and private companies.