Cyprus Announces Intent to Join NATO
World
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, announced that his country is in negotiations with Washington regarding ways to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that Cyprus intends to become a member of NATO.
On November 28, he told journalists that Nicosia is discussing the issue of NATO membership with the United States. According to him, Cyprus cannot become a full member of NATO due to Turkey’s objections, which limits the country's ability to modernize its army and acquire military equipment.
Christodoulides stated that Cyprus is discussing three proposed levels of membership in NATO with the United States.
Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of strengthening Cyprus's defense capabilities, stating that the country is seeking opportunities both through NATO and U.S. channels, as well as defense programs in which the island participates within the European Union. Christodoulides highlighted Cyprus's "strategic geopolitical location in a region of special importance" as a key advantage. He also confirmed that decisions to modernize the island’s naval and air force bases have already been made, and that Cyprus is in talks with the EU regarding naval facilities, and with the United States regarding air force installations.
When asked about the timeline for submitting a potential NATO membership application, the president responded: "The less we talk about it, the closer we are to our goal."
Cyprus’s accession to NATO could set an important legal precedent. According to NATO's rules, countries with unresolved territorial disputes cannot join the alliance. The Republic of Cyprus controls about 60% of the island, while the remaining territory is occupied by the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The prospects for Cyprus’s successful NATO membership depend directly on the resolution of the Cyprus conflict and improved relations with Turkey.
Christodoulides stated that Cyprus is discussing three proposed levels of membership in NATO with the United States.
Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of strengthening Cyprus's defense capabilities, stating that the country is seeking opportunities both through NATO and U.S. channels, as well as defense programs in which the island participates within the European Union. Christodoulides highlighted Cyprus's "strategic geopolitical location in a region of special importance" as a key advantage. He also confirmed that decisions to modernize the island’s naval and air force bases have already been made, and that Cyprus is in talks with the EU regarding naval facilities, and with the United States regarding air force installations.
When asked about the timeline for submitting a potential NATO membership application, the president responded: "The less we talk about it, the closer we are to our goal."
Cyprus’s accession to NATO could set an important legal precedent. According to NATO's rules, countries with unresolved territorial disputes cannot join the alliance. The Republic of Cyprus controls about 60% of the island, while the remaining territory is occupied by the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The prospects for Cyprus’s successful NATO membership depend directly on the resolution of the Cyprus conflict and improved relations with Turkey.
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