POLITICS: Washington says Russian claims of military build-up in Cyprus are ridiculous

The US has shot down claims by Moscow that it is seeking an increased military presence on Cyprus.

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The State Department described the comments made by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova as “absurd.”

“In November the United States and Cyprus signed a non-binding statement of intent expressing both countries’ desire to explore opportunities to deepen bilateral security cooperation on a wide range of issues including counterterrorism, disaster response, cybersecurity, and anti-money laundering,” said a State Department official.

“The Russian portrayal of this signing as plans for a military build-up is characteristically absurd,” the Spokesperson added.

Zakharova warned that Moscow will have to take active measures in case of a military build-up by the US in Cyprus.

Nicosia has also refuted any suggestion that it seeks to militarise the island.

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