Greek Member of the European Parliament, Nikolas Farantouris, who visited Damascus at the peak of…
Tag: sanctions
“Syria can return to violence or start an inclusive transition and end decades of conflict,”…
Following a phone call with Turkish President Erdogan, Trump is reportedly considering lifting sanctions and approving F-35 sales to Turkey, alongside F-16 upgrades, contingent on Turkey relinquishing its Russian S-400 systems. The move could mark a significant thaw in U.S.-Turkey defense ties
U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held their first call since Trump’s January 2025 inauguration, discussing peace efforts for Ukraine, lifting sanctions on Syria to aid refugee returns, and easing CAATSA sanctions on Turkey to advance military deals, including F-16 purchases and F-35 reinstatement.
Cyprus is using the leverage of potential sanctions relief to steer Syria’s interim government away from a controversial maritime deal with Turkey. Foreign Minister Kombos’ visit to Damascus signals a cautious first step in rebuilding relations, with adherence to international maritime law a key condition for progress.
The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning Turkey’s removal of elected opposition mayors and their replacement with government-appointed trustees. The resolution calls for sanctions against responsible Turkish officials, citing the erosion of local democracy and human rights violations, particularly targeting pro-Kurdish municipalities.
Greece and Cyprus are blocking the lifting of sanctions on Syria in the Committee of…
Tennis Australia has reiterated its stance against players competing in Russia after Thanasi Kokkinakis participated in an exhibition tournament in St. Petersburg. The organization advises athletes against playing in Russia and is working with the Australian government to educate players about the potential consequences.
The US Senate has unanimously confirmed Marco Rubio as the new Secretary of State, marking…
The operation to occupy a Greek island by Turkey via helicopters and special forces (commandos) is a military scenario that is analyzed on a theoretical level by analysts, but in practice presents serious difficulties and risks. The Greek islands are equipped with modern air defense systems, and Greece has a strong air force and navy that would make such an operation extremely difficult and costly for Turkey. Any attempt would also trigger immediate international reactions and sanctions.
Operations at Greece’s largest port, Piraeus, are continuing as normal despite the U.S. Defense Department adding its majority owner, COSCO Shipping, to a list of companies allegedly working with the Chinese military, sources told Reuters.
The UK announced plans to become the first nation globally to implement sanctions specifically targeting irregular migration and the criminal networks facilitating it. Foreign Secretary David Lammy unveiled the proposed legislation, a key element of the government’s “Plan for Change” to strengthen border security and tackle human trafficking.
On December 10, the United States imposed sanctions on a prominent Chinese cybersecurity company and…
Cyprus has bolstered its air defenses with the arrival of the first components of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. This acquisition marks a significant step in modernizing the island nation’s military capabilities and comes amidst efforts to replace aging Russian systems hampered by sanctions.
Turkey, having waited years for sanctions relief from the Biden administration regarding its purchase of…
The United States announced extensive sanctions on Wednesday against nearly 400 individuals and entities across…
According to a Dutch newspaper, Het Parool, Russia is using occupied Cyprus as a haven to evade international sanctions imposed in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has published a list of 47 countries and territories, including Cyprus, accused of engaging in “destructive behaviors contrary to Russian spiritual and moral values.” This move paves the way for citizens of these countries who align with “traditional Russian values” to relocate to Russia through a simplified process.
Russia has lost its case for unblocking €70 billion in sanctions at the European Court.…
Polish prosecutors have charged three Belarusian officials for allegedly diverting a Poland-registered plane in 2021, leading to the arrest of dissident blogger Raman Pratasevich. The case, based on cockpit recordings and witness testimonies, has sparked international condemnation and resulted in heavy sanctions against Belarus. The officials face up to five years in prison if convicted.