Cyprus Aims to Join NATO, in Talks with the U.S. to Meet Membership Conditions, Says President
Cyprus is aiming to join NATO and is in talks with the United States to meet the conditions for entering the military alliance, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday.
Christodoulides explained that the discussions were focused on "how the Republic of Cyprus can utilize these opportunities so that, when all conditions are met, Cyprus can become a NATO member state."
NATO member Turkey opposes Cyprus's potential membership, as it does not recognize the government of the island's Greek-speaking south.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the north in response to a Greek-backed coup. More than 30,000 Turkish troops remain stationed on the island.
Christodoulides said Turkey's stance prevents the Cypriot army from upgrading or acquiring military equipment that meets NATO standards.
"Because we do not want the National Guard to miss these opportunities, we are discussing with the United States," Christodoulides said, adding, "I am pleased with the positive response."
"This way, when everything is in place, the Republic of Cyprus can become a NATO member state," he added.
He noted that Cyprus, a European Union member since 2004, has a "comparative advantage" due to its proximity to the Middle East and its good relations with Israel and Lebanon.
The president also stated that Brussels and Washington are already working to upgrade the island's air and naval base infrastructure to NATO standards.
"Within this framework, we are in advanced consultations with the EU regarding the naval base and with the U.S. regarding the air base. This is being pursued in a very targeted manner," he said.
Christodoulides said there would be "significant developments" concerning defense and security in the near future.
Asked when Cyprus could apply for NATO membership, he replied: "The less we talk about this issue, the closer we are to the goal."
Traditionally, Cyprus has remained neutral and opposed NATO membership, fearing it would upset Russia. However, closer ties with Washington in recent years and the war in Ukraine have led to a political shift toward the United States.
Decades of United Nations-backed talks to reunify Cyprus have failed, with the last round, held in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, collapsing in 2017.
(with AFP)
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