US extends suspension of arms embargo on Cyprus for another year; TRNC expresses regret

The United States has extended the suspension of its arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus for another year, until 30 September 2027. The TRNC Foreign Ministry said it viewed the decision with deep regret.

According to a statement by the TRNC Foreign Ministry, the US Department of State approved the lifting of restrictions on the sale of defence products and services to the Republic of Cyprus for the 2027 financial year. As a result, the embargo will remain suspended for another twelve months.

The TRNC Foreign Ministry believes that such a step ignores the realities on the island and in the region, fails to take Turkish Cypriots into account and could fuel an arms race.

The ministry called on all interested international parties to pursue a fair and balanced policy in the Eastern Mediterranean and to recognise that two peoples live on the island and that two separate states exist.

The statement also stressed that the TRNC, together with Turkey, would take all necessary steps decisively to protect the security and interests of the Turkish Cypriots.

Washington imposed restrictions on the supply of US weapons to Cyprus in 1987. In recent years, the United States has suspended them annually, reaffirming the decision for each new financial year.