Bipartisan Legislation Seeks to End Cyprus Embargo, Boost US-Cyprus Relations

Strategic Insights -

In a significant move, Representatives Chris Pappas, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus, and Nicole Malliotakis, co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, have reintroduced the End the Cyprus Embargo Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at extending the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus from one year to five years. This change is expected to bolster US-Cyprus relations, enhance bilateral cooperation, and advance US security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Key Takeaways:

  • The End the Cyprus Embargo Act would extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo from one year to five years, allowing for more effective planning and procurement of US defense articles by Cyprus.
  • The legislation aims to promote US-Cyprus bilateral relations, strengthen military interoperability, and enhance cooperation on security and defense issues.
  • Cyprus has emerged as a pivotal ally for US interests and regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean over the past two decades, with substantial growth in US-Cyprus relations.
  • The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 authorized the President to waive the arms embargo on an annual basis, but the waiver renewal period is seen as restrictive and compromises US-Cyprus military interoperability.
  • The bill would prohibit the President from terminating the waiver unless Congress receives certification that Cyprus is no longer cooperating with US efforts to implement anti-money laundering regulations and financial oversight reforms, and denying Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing.
  • The legislation is supported by the American Hellenic Institute, Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), and PSKEA (International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus).

Statistics:

  • Two decades of growth in US-Cyprus relations have solidifiedCyprus as a pivotal ally for US interests and regional stability.
  • Since the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019, the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo has been renewed annually, restricting Cyprus's ability to plan and procure US defense articles effectively.
  • Cyprus has cooperated with US efforts to implement anti-money laundering regulations and financial oversight reforms.
  • Russian military vessels have been denied access to Cyprus ports for refueling and servicing.

Sources:

  • The office of New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas
  • The Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC)
  • Coordinated Effort of Hellenes
  • American Hellenic Institute
  • PSKEA (International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus)