The US lifted defense trade restrictions on the Greek Cypriot administration for the 2023 fiscal year, the State Department said Friday.
“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,” according to State Department spokesman Ned Price, Anadolu Agency reported.
Price said the international traffic in arms regulations will be amended to reflect the new policy effective Oct. 1.
US policy requires the denial of exports, re-exports or transfers of defense articles to Cyprus unless the president determines and certifies to congressional committees authorities there are cooperating with Washington to implement anti-money laundering regulations and financial regulatory oversight reforms.
It also requires Cyprus to take steps to deny Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing.
