The United States has lifted arms import restrictions on Cyprus for one more year, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday, a move that will likely prompt an angry response from Turkey (Turkiye) and further enflame an already tense situation in the region.
"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken determined and certified to Congress that the Republic of Cyprus has met the necessary conditions under relevant legislation to allow the approval of exports, re-exports, and transfers of defense articles to the Republic of Cyprus for fiscal year 2023," reads the statement.
Compliance with the conditions is assessed on an annual basis.
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations will be amended to reflect the new policy, effective October 1, 2022.
Cyprus was divided in 1974 and Turkey recognises the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The United States introduced restrictions on the transfer of arms to Cyprus in 1987 to encourage reunification efforts and avoid an arms race on the island.
Turkey and Greece, both NATO members, have been at loggerheads for decades over territorial and airspace claims in and over the Aegean Sea.
Deep-rooted friction brought Turkey and Greece almost to the point of war three times in the last 50 years.
Turkey and Greece will both head to the polls for crucial elections next year and some observers think statements likely aimed at the domestic audiences are to blame for the tension.
