NO. 73

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) welcomed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s announcement that the U.S. Department of State intends to provide, for the first time, International Military Education and Training (IMET) program funding to the Republic of Cyprus for fiscal year 2021. Secretary Pompeo made the announcement on July 8, 2020.

 “The United States’ stated intention to provide IMET funding for the Republic of Cyprus for the first time is noteworthy,” President Nick Larigakis said. “It is an important measure taken that signals the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus is deepening in security cooperation and that Cyprus is recognized as a strategic partner to counter malign influences in the eastern Mediterranean. It will be an effective and wise American investment because it contributes toward the strengthening of United States security interests in an increasingly important part of the world by helping to train and promote the professionalization of Cypriot military personnel.” 

Next Step: U.S. Must Remove Arms Prohibition on Republic of Cyprus

AHI contends the next logical step for advancement of U.S.-Republic of Cyprus security cooperation is for Secretary Pompeo to waive two limitations placed on the transfer of arms to the Republic of Cyprus, and further, to remove the Republic of Cyprus altogether from the list of countries to which arms sales are prohibited under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

“Because of the Cyprus ITAR conditions, the sales of U.S. defense articles and services to the Republic of Cyprus are still prohibited,” President Larigakis said. “AHI has provided several points to demonstrate the Republic of Cyprus has satisfied the two limitations and has adocated for Secretary Pompeo to remove permanently the Republic of Cyprus from the ITAR list as the secretary has always been authorized to do.”