US to partially lift 33 years old arms embargo on Cyprus

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The United States has decided to lift a 33-year arms embargo on Cyprus and extend its security alliance with Nicosia, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Tuesday, inciting an angry response from Turkey.

Turkey invaded the Island in 1974 which let to the division of the island into Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It must be noted that Turkey recognises the northern part of Cyprus as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not recognised by other States. Several peacemaking efforts have failed in the past. 

Washington in its efforts to encourage reunification of Cyprus and avoid arms race on the Island placed restrictions on the transfer of arms in 1987.

Mike Pompeo further added that Cyprus is US key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and that they will suspend restrictions on the sale of non-lethal defence articles and services to the Republic of Cyprus for the upcoming fiscal year.

US decision to lifting arms embargo comes at a time of escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Greece over claims to potential natural resources in the eastern Mediterranean sea.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said on Twitter that he welcomed the move after a phone call with Mike Pompeo.

Turkey’s foreign ministry said the decision “neglects the equality and balance” on the island and that Turkey expects its NATO partner to “reconsider” its decision.

He further added that if the decision was not reconsidered, Turkey will take all the steps required in line with its legal and historical responsibility to guarantee the security of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Turkey and Greece both agree to solve their dispute through dialogue. They each held military exercises in the region, underlining the potential for the dispute to escalate.