Interview with AKEL Political Bureau member Aristos Damianou

 

The precondition set by the US for a rupture in Cyprus’ relations with Russia for the lifting of the arms embargo constitutes an intervention in our state’s sovereignty

Sunday 25 September 2022 “HARAVGI” newspaper

QUESTION: What does the lifting of the US arms embargo mean for Cyprus? Cyprus ridding itself of Russian arms means a deterioration of relations with Russia…

AD: I would say that on a political level an injustice against the Republic of Cyprus is prospectively removed. Prospectively, because there are preconditions that have been set for lifting the ban on the purchase of military equipment from the US, which can be summarized in one phrase: a complete rupture of the Republic of Cyprus’ relations with the Russian Federation. For sure, this is a development which, given the continuation of the occupation, opens up yet another market for the purpose of arming Cyprus for defence purposes. After all, the immorality of the embargo lies in the fact that the USA, with its allies here, organised and executed the double crime committed in 1974 [coup and invasion] and on top of that also imposed the embargo. Of course, there are also political implications and political behaviours in Cyprus that need to be noted, because they are both worrying and dangerous. Two actions by DISY President Averof Neophytou speak for themselves.

Firstly, he was quick to congratulate Nikos Christodoulides who until recently was the Foreign Minister of the Anastasiades-DISY government, which underlines that despite what they say in public, Averof Neophytou and Nikos Christodoulides are both two persons, but pursue one and the same policy, namely that of the successors of Nikos Anastasiades.

Secondly, the repeated statements issued by the ruling DISY leader that – if elected – he will work to bring Cyprus into NATO, constitute a very dangerous prospect.

QUESTION: Doesn’t the adoption of the American preconditions, such as the ban on Russian ships docking in our ports, for example, suggest that for the embargo to be lifted, we have to comply with the American conditions?

AD: Indeed. I would say that the approval of the Menendez-Rubio bill [by the US Congress] and the imposition of the so-called East Med Act of 2019 by the US in effect constitutes a political memorandum imposed on Cyprus and Greece, something similar to the Troika Memoranda.  Let me remind you that back then, even Nicos Anastasiades opposed it, while Nicos Christodoulides and DISY told us that it is a US law and we are not obliged to accept it.

Today both Averof Neofytou and Nikos Christodoulides are celebrating. Therefore, the imposition on the Republic of Cyprus, as a precondition for lifting the embargo of a rupture in the Republic of Cyprus’ political and economic relations with the Russian Federation, constitutes an intervention in our sovereignty. The fact that Nikos Christodoulides negotiated certain aspects and Averof Neofytou is endorsing and reaffirming is indicative of the way in which they will proceed if citizens elect one of them to the presidency of the state.

In contrast AKEL’s long-standing position is that semi-occupied Cyprus needs to pursue a multi-dimensional foreign policy and that we cannot afford to burn bridges, whether with the Russian Federation, France or China. This strategic targeting in no way invalidates our political position that Russia invaded Ukraine in violation of international law, which must prevail in the interests of peace and security. We are pleased that this principled position is also shared by the independent candidate whom we are supporting.

As a full member state of the EU, the Republic of Cyprus must make use of every podium to assert and promote our cause, with realism about the possibilities and far from any dogmatic approaches of the type “Cyprus belong to the West”. Besides, by adopting similar pompous empty talk we have reached the brink of partition – because of Turkey – during the Anastasiades-DISY government’s term of office.

QUESTION: How is this addressed and, furthermore, how much will a rearmament with US weapons cost Cyprus?

AD: The truth is that the broader deterioration in the EU’s relations with the Russian Federation, the Republic of Cyprus too, because of the war and sanctions imposed, may be far-reaching. It is an issue that we need to analyse, as is that of the further strengthening and upgrading of Turkey’s role in the wider region. The economic cost is unknown, because, besides the increased expenditure that will be demanded – in terms of armaments – there is also the increase in the pressure exerted on the real economy due to the price hikes of raw materials, fuel and, in general, the energy crisis that is imminent. That is precisely why we need a President with a vision, to give a perspective and hope.