The legislation is titled the “End the Cyprus Embargo Act.”
It aims to allow the export, re-export, or transfer of arms subject to the United States Munitions List to the Republic of Cyprus.
Key points from the Sense of Congress include:
Exporting defense articles to Cyprus would advance U.S. security interests in Europe.
Cyprus has complied with conditions set forth in the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 for modifying prohibitions on defense articles and services.
Supporting UN efforts towards a solution to the division of Cyprus, enhancing the U.S.-Cyprus security relationship, cooperation between U.S. Armed Forces and the National Guard of Cyprus, and Cyprus joining NATO’s Partnership for Peace program are in U.S. interests.
The Secretary of State is directed not to apply a policy of denial for defense exports to Cyprus, provided:
The request is made by or on behalf of the Government of Cyprus.
The end-user is the Government of Cyprus.
Exceptions to this policy include concerns based on credible human rights issues.
The President may waive this exclusion for one fiscal year if it’s essential to U.S. national security interests.
The President can terminate this exclusion after 5 years from enactment and renew it for subsequent 5-year periods if Cyprus is not cooperating on anti-money laundering and denying Russian military vessels access to ports.
The term “appropriate congressional committees” refers to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
