A bipartisan bill seeking to lift a 1987 US arms embargo on Cyprus was introduced by Democrat Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
In a press statement the two Senators said “The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019” would: Lift the prohibition on arms sales to the Republic of Cyprus;
Authorise the establishment of a United States-Eastern Mediterranean Energy Centre to facilitate energy cooperation between the U.S., Israel, Greece, and Cyprus;
Authorise $3,000,000 in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) assistance for Greece;
Authorize $2,000,000 for International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance for Greece and $2,000,000 for Cyprus.
And to impede the transfer of F-35 aircraft to Turkey, as long as Turkey continues with plans to purchase the S-400 air defence system from Russia, a purchase that would be sanctionable under U.S. law.
“The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 would allow the US to fully support the trilateral partnership of Israel, Greece, and Cyprus through energy and defence cooperation initiatives – including by lifting the embargo on arms transfers to the Republic of Cyprus,” the statement said.
The legislation, “also seeks to update US strategy in recognition of consequential changes in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the recent discovery of large natural gas fields, and a deterioration of Turkey’s relationship with the United States and our regional partners.”
“The time has come for the US to deepen this cooperation and build on the constructive progress made by our allies to help ensure a secure Eastern Mediterranean,” Menendez said.
Rubio noted that “by lifting the US Arms Embargo on Cyprus and extending necessary Foreign Military Assistance to Greece, this legislation brings forth a comprehensive approach to the stability of key regional partners.”
The bill notes that “the direct sale or transfer of arms by the United States to the Republic of Cyprus would advance United States security interests in Europe by helping to reduce the dependence of the Government of Cyprus on other countries for defence-related materiel, including countries that pose challenges to United States interests around the world.”
(source: CNA)
