Secretary Blinken has assessed and confirmed to Congress that the Republic of Cyprus has fulfilled the required criteria under relevant laws, enabling the Department to authorize exports, re-exports, and transfers of defense articles to Cyprus for fiscal year 2024.
This evaluation of compliance with the conditions is conducted on an annual basis. Consequently, the Secretary has lifted the restrictions on defense trade with Cyprus for FY 2024. To reflect this new policy, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations will be updated, effective from October 1, 2023. It is important to note that this determination does not signify a change, but rather a re-certification of the FY 2023 assessment.
Under the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 and the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020, the United States is mandated to maintain a policy of denial for exporting, re-exporting, or transferring defense articles on the United States Munitions List to Cyprus, unless the President determines and certifies, at least once a year, to the appropriate congressional committees that: A) the Government of the Republic of Cyprus continues to collaborate with the United States Government in implementing anti-money laundering regulations and overseeing financial regulation, and B) the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has taken and continues to take the necessary measures to prevent Russian military vessels from accessing ports for refueling and servicing. In line with both Acts, the Department assesses compliance with these requirements on an annual basis.
