UK signs defense and security MoU with Greek Cypriots

LONDON

The U.K. and Greek Cypriot administration on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance their defense and security cooperation, a British government statement said.

The MoU -- which was signed in a meeting between Greek Cypriot Defense Minister Savvas Angelides and British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson in London -- agrees on “strengthening the existing deep defense links between the two nations.”

It is “designed to help address common defence and security challenges and build on existing partnerships and shared interests in areas such as training, capability development and crisis planning.”

“The MOU will also help generate and support new opportunities for multilateral security training with our regional partners,” the statement added.

Williams said the Greek Cypriot side “is a valued partner and friend, and through signing this agreement we have reinforced our already close ties across defence for years to come”.

He said that British bases in Greek Cypriot side are “a vital asset in our fight against Daesh with Typhoon and Tornado fighter jets that were instrumental in the territorial defeat of the terrorist group in Syria flying out of RAF Akrotiri”.

The U.K. has two military bases, which are under British rule on the southern part of the island as a British Overseas Territory.

The statement said the Sovereign Base Area in Greek Cypriot side “is a valued security asset to both the U.K. and our partners, giving us the ability to act swiftly in region when required”.

“Most recently demonstrated in the fight against Daesh where the RAF [Royal Air Force] conducted more than 1700 air strikes that lead to the territorial defeat in Syria,” it added.

In addition to personnel in military bases, British army currently deploys 250 personnel in UN peacekeeping mission on the island.

In 1974, following a coup aiming at Cyprus’ annexation by Greece, Ankara had to intervene as a guarantor power. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was established.

The decades since have seen several attempts to resolve the dispute, all ending in failure. The latest one, held with the participation of the guarantor countries -- Turkey, Greece and the U.K. -- ended in 2017 in Switzerland.

In 2004, in twin referendums, the plan of then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for a solution was accepted by Turkish Cypriots but rejected by Greek Cypriots.

The talks focused on a federal model, based on the political equality of the both sides, but Greek Cypriots’ rejection of such a solution, including the Annan plan, led to the emergence of other models.

In a recent report, current UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also said that "new ideas" may be needed for a settlement on the island.