Nicosia: Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has welcomed Norway’s decision to lift its arms embargo against the Republic of Cyprus. Speaking at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base, where he attended celebrations for Archangel Michael, Palmas said that the Norwegian Foreign Minister contacted President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday to inform him that Norway has lifted the arms embargo that had been in place against the Republic of Cyprus for 65 years.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Palmas recalled that “Norway had decided to impose embargoes on arms in regions experiencing conflict situations, and after 65 years we are pleased to report that the Norwegian government’s decision is to lift the embargo.” Palmas welcomed this decision, stating that “we consider it a positive development, always taking into account the fact that the US embargo has also been lifted.”
He further noted that USA renews its decision on an annual base, adding that they are currently at the stage where they are awaiting the Senate’s decision on whether to extend the lifting of the US embargo from 3 to 5 years. This, he said, is very helpful for better organization and meeting the needs of the National Guard.
Furthermore, Defence Minister announced that Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias will pay a working visit to Cyprus on Monday, November 10. He noted that “meetings with Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias are regular, and 10 days ago we met in Athens and Thessaloniki.”
Asked what will be discussed at the meeting, Palmas said they will focus on the geopolitical situation in the region and assess it, while at the same time, he said, they will exchange views primarily on issues concerning the EU’s SAFE regulation, in which both Greece and Cyprus participate. “We will exchange views on this regulation so that we can explore the scope for cooperation between the two countries on this matter,” Palmas concluded.