Cyprus discloses confidential NATO strategy to US, reports media
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has allegedly introduced a NATO integration proposal to US President Joe Biden. Read Full Article at RT.com.
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Nicosia has reportedly requested US arms and military investments, despite objections from long-time member Türkiye.
According to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, Cyprus has presented a long-term plan to the US on how it envisions joining NATO, amidst opposition from Türkiye. The island, which was a former British colony, remains a crucial British naval base. It has been divided since 1974, when Türkiye intervened militarily to prevent a potential annexation by Greece. This division into Greek and Turkish-controlled regions continues to create tension between the two NATO members, who both joined the US-led military alliance in 1952.
President Nikos Christodoulides, who heads the Athens-aligned Republic of Cyprus, met with US President Joe Biden in late October. Kathimerini reported that he provided Biden with a roadmap aimed at resolving the dispute with Ankara and securing NATO membership for Cyprus.
The newspaper characterized the proposal as “detailed [and] well-thought-out,” claiming it garnered approval from the outgoing Democratic administration. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reportedly referred to it as a “win-win” for all parties involved. Christodoulides also shared his plans with former Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland before her departure earlier this year.
In its report, Kathimerini mentioned that the Greek Cypriot leader requested several policy changes from the US, including the lifting of an arms trade embargo. While this ban exists in theory, the US State Department has provided special waivers for weapons supplies in recent years, which has frustrated Ankara.
Additionally, Cyprus seeks enhanced training for its National Guard by the US and investment in its military infrastructure. The proposed plan allegedly includes the potential deployment of a permanent US troop contingent to the Andreas Papandreou airbase near Paphos International Airport.
The proposed multi-stage roadmap also calls for improved relations between Türkiye and the EU, which Cyprus is a part of, despite Ankara having no formal diplomatic ties with Nicosia.
Despite Cyprus's divided status, a NATO presence exists on the island, as the UK retained two areas for military usage upon granting independence to Cyprus in 1960. The British operate a US over-the-horizon radar station at one of these bases.
The concept of formally integrating Cyprus into NATO has garnered significant support, notably from the Atlantic Council, a think tank often regarded as a voice for the bloc. In 2019, its Executive Vice President Damon Wilson contended that accession could pave the way for the eventual reunification of the island.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
According to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, Cyprus has presented a long-term plan to the US on how it envisions joining NATO, amidst opposition from Türkiye. The island, which was a former British colony, remains a crucial British naval base. It has been divided since 1974, when Türkiye intervened militarily to prevent a potential annexation by Greece. This division into Greek and Turkish-controlled regions continues to create tension between the two NATO members, who both joined the US-led military alliance in 1952.
President Nikos Christodoulides, who heads the Athens-aligned Republic of Cyprus, met with US President Joe Biden in late October. Kathimerini reported that he provided Biden with a roadmap aimed at resolving the dispute with Ankara and securing NATO membership for Cyprus.
The newspaper characterized the proposal as “detailed [and] well-thought-out,” claiming it garnered approval from the outgoing Democratic administration. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reportedly referred to it as a “win-win” for all parties involved. Christodoulides also shared his plans with former Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland before her departure earlier this year.
In its report, Kathimerini mentioned that the Greek Cypriot leader requested several policy changes from the US, including the lifting of an arms trade embargo. While this ban exists in theory, the US State Department has provided special waivers for weapons supplies in recent years, which has frustrated Ankara.
Additionally, Cyprus seeks enhanced training for its National Guard by the US and investment in its military infrastructure. The proposed plan allegedly includes the potential deployment of a permanent US troop contingent to the Andreas Papandreou airbase near Paphos International Airport.
The proposed multi-stage roadmap also calls for improved relations between Türkiye and the EU, which Cyprus is a part of, despite Ankara having no formal diplomatic ties with Nicosia.
Despite Cyprus's divided status, a NATO presence exists on the island, as the UK retained two areas for military usage upon granting independence to Cyprus in 1960. The British operate a US over-the-horizon radar station at one of these bases.
The concept of formally integrating Cyprus into NATO has garnered significant support, notably from the Atlantic Council, a think tank often regarded as a voice for the bloc. In 2019, its Executive Vice President Damon Wilson contended that accession could pave the way for the eventual reunification of the island.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
