Defence Minister, Charalambos Petrides, has said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has a serious impact on Cyprus’ National Guard since plenty of its arms programmes rely on the Russian market, adding that alternative solutions and all possibilities are being examined.
Moreover Petrides said that existing arms programmes which are currently implemented have not in any case been affected, adding, however, that due to the crisis and the uncertainty as regards the economy this is possible to happen with all EU member states, since their financial potentials can change.
Speaking during a round table discussion organized by the ruling Democratic Rally party, Petrides said that it seems clear that the EU moves towards a defence and military autonomy, adding that this means that we do not in any case discuss about a European army.
In his intervention, the Defence Minister noted, among others, that the EU is moving slowly but steadily towards a defence and military autonomy, and has achieved to reach a conclusion on the Strategic Compass.
Moreover, he said that the rapid reaction force could be implemented pending on the developments and the issue of Ukraine.
Petrides noted that the EU is moving towards a defence and military autonomy in cooperation with NATO, noting that 21 out of its 27 member states are members of the Alliance.
“We consider that this cooperation is unavoidable, but there are certain countries, including Cyprus, which say that we are in favour of the EU strategic autonomy,” he added.
He went on to say that “there is cooperation when this is necessary. We belong to this family, so that road is clear, “he underlined.
The Minister said that “we implemented and we implement all sanctions from the first day. We closed our ports before the EU’s directives, so we fully harmonized with the EU decisions.”
Petrides noted that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has a serious impact on Cyprus’ National Guard as plenty of its arms programmes are based on the Russian market and that they are looking into alternative solutions and all possibilities.
Source: Cyprus News Agency