Posted on 06/25/2013 4:27:52 PM PDT by kronos77
Cyprus is exploring the possibility of facilitating, in certain cases, Russian Air Force at the military airbase “Andreas Papandreou” in Pafos, the Defence Minister said on Sunday. He added that there is no discussion of conceding the base to Russia.
Asked if there is any link between the extension of 2.5 bln euros loan Moscow has granted to Nicosia in 2011 and Russia’s military facilitation, the Minister said that “there is no question of granting concessions”.
He added that Cyprus is already facilitating Russian navy, as is the case with other countries.
He said moreover that the possibility of providing the airbase in Pafos, in certain cases, has been discussed during his recent visit to Moscow, both with his Russian counterpart and the Foreign Minister Lavrov.
Photiou also said that Cyprus and Russia have strong historic ties, and that relations will continue to deepen.
Cyprus is facilitating the navy of various countries, including the US, France, Germany and Israel.
The only existing agreement for facilities at the “Andreas Papandreou” airbase, is with France, under the 2007 defence cooperation agreement.
(Excerpt) Read more at famagusta-gazette.com ...
The Cypriots are just recognizing who is the strong man in the region. It is no longer the USA and the departed Sixth Fleet. Listen to K.T. McFarlane’s recent comments on the collapse of US foreign policy and stature.
Bad news.
On the contrary, good news. The hate the Russians just as much as they hate us. Difference is the Russians will not hesitate to kill 100,000 for the heck of it.
Cypriots can use the money that renting an airbase and a naval base will bring. Also it will bring some protection from the Turks who will not mess with a “friend” of Russia. Might even get some help from Russia on the economic front. Good or bad, its just Putin playing The Big Game of allances and treaties—This will give him and the Russian Navy a better focal point for there activities in the regine. Now, they just need a base in Egypt and the Red Sea.
Makes sense you’d put your navy where your cash is. Isn’t Cyprus the home of most oligarch offshore laundered cash?
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