Historical decision on Cyprus: Joins three US defense programs

Presidential Decision (presidential determination) to join or into three of their defense programs was signed by American President Joe Biden. Cyprus will participate in the specific U.S. programmes it is estimated to contribute to the modernisation of the Cypriot Armed Forces, strengthening their interoperability with NATO, and further strengthening security relations between Washington and Nicosia. In particular, this is a strategic decision of the White House which will allow Cyprus to join the following programmes for the first time: – Programme for International Sale of Military Materials (FMS) – Programme for the provision of Surplus Defence Material (EDA) Programmes offering training and equipment to foreign security forces (Title 10 Security Assistance Programs) Sources in Washington underline that this Presidential Decision constitutes a practical recognition of the crucial regional role Cyprus plays in the field of security. As they point out, this development is another historic step in upgrading defence relations between Washington and Nicosia. Typically Cyprus could not participate in this programme due to the fact that the permanent lifting of the arms embargo (ITAR restrictions) has not yet been achieved, which could change through a vote in Congress. However, State Department lawyers have estimated that the president of the US may include Cyprus in these programs through Presidential Decision (Presidential Determination) despite the fact that Cyprus is still subject to ICAR restrictions. Military Material International Sales Programme (FMS) The Military Material International Sales Programme (FMS) is a programme implemented at an intergovernmental level (government-to-government) and essentially allows the American government to approve the transfer of defence equipment, services and training to foreign countries. The State Department examines and approves the individual cases of international sales of military material and then the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which falls under the American Ministry of Defence, proceeds to implement them. The US President shall determine whether a country is eligible for participation in the FMS programme. The US Secretary of State decides whether to support a sale and to what extent. The U.S. government uses the Department of Defense’s acquisition system to buy equipment. The US government and foreign government sign a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). Surplus Defence Material Programme (EDA) This program enables foreign countries to receive defence material from the American Armed Forces which has been deemed surplus by the Ministry of Defence. This surplus equipment can be given at reduced or zero costs to eligible foreign countries if it is considered that this serves the US national security and foreign policy objectives. The aim of this programme is to help critical partners modernise their Armed Forces while strengthening their interoperability. Title 10 Security Assistance Programmes These are projects that provide education and equipment to foreign countries to help develop new capabilities and capabilities by their security forces. The responsibility for managing these programmes lies with the US Department of Defence and the aim is to promote US security interests. In particular, this programme aims at: Helping foreign countries to be able to respond to threats and participate in joint missions and efforts. The creation of relationships that promote US security interests. To provide access to foreign Armed Forces in peacetime and the possibility of emergency operations.