The partial and temporary lifting of the embargo comes with terms that the US demands from Cyprus

 

Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 2 September 2020, Nicosia

Whereas the US has been arming Turkey the occupying power for decades, they had imposed an arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus since 1987, in a crude absurdity that rewarded the perpetrator of the invasion and punished the victim.

Today, the partial and temporary lifting of the embargo on the sale of American weapons to the Republic of Cyprus does not come as an end to this outrageous injustice. On the contrary, it is linked to terms and preconditions that the US are demanding from Cyprus.

The key condition, which is expressed through the notorious Menendez-Rubio law, is for Cyprus to align itself with the policy pursued by the US in the Eastern Mediterranean and to sever its ties with Russia. More specifically, as the US representative reiterated yesterday, the lifting of the embargo depends, among other things, on whether Cyprus will ban the mooring of Russian ships in Cypriot ports. The US Ambassador was even clearer today who repeated these demands which, as she said, are connected to the “Moscow’s destabilizing role” and stated that she is in discussions with President Anastasiades on the issue. The Anastasiades government must provide explanations whether it accepts or complies explicitly or implicitly with the American demands.

The atmosphere of a triumph being cultivated by the government once again doesn’t tell the truth.

First and foremost, because the cultivation of impressions that militarization will help Cyprus’ struggle is dangerous and a dead-end policy.

Secondly, because Cyprus does not have the luxury of severing its relations with Russia and other states, permanent members of the UN Security Council that have supported Cyprus at critical moments.

Thirdly, dispelling any illusions, the US, as it reiterated yesterday, does not want a “fundamental change in the balance of power” in the region, thus stressing the importance it attaches to Turkey.

The Anastasiades-DISY government must give an answer whether it will continue to implement the Trump administration’s demands as to Cyprus’ relations with other states. Above all, of course, the government must put an end to the communication games and focus on the goal of the liberation and reunification of our country, with a solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework.