Amendment to extend the renewal of the lifting of the arms embargo in Cyprus

Robert Menendez announced an amendment to the National Defense Budget Bill (NDAA) that would extend the time needed to renew the lifting of the arms embargo on Cyprus.

After the complete lifting of the embargo and the fulfillment of all commitments on the part of Cyprus, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee made it clear that this is a logical step that will allow long-term planning with the aim of better coordination of cooperation between Washington and Nicosia in the field of security.

In accordance with the current legislation, the President has mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to certify each year that Cyprus continues to meet all the conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean Law in order to renew the lifting of the embargo (annual frequency). If Sen. Menendez’s amendment is adopted in the final budget text, it effectively means lifting the ban would be renewed for three years.

“I was proud to see the bipartisan Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Cooperation Act passed a few years ago, paving the way for the provision of vital defense systems to bolster Cyprus’ defences.

Senator Menendez noted that since Cyprus has met the requirements to receive these defense systems, this adjustment will allow for long-term planning that will ultimately improve security coordination between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus, and hopefully other regional allies and partners in the future.