**Greek Military Presence in Cyprus Remains Temporary, Says Defence Minister**
In a statement made on Monday, Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas clarified that there are currently no discussions regarding the permanent deployment of Greek F-16 fighter jets or a Greek naval vessel in Cyprus. He emphasized that the existing military presence is temporary and subject to ongoing assessments of regional developments, particularly in light of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Palmas confirmed that the Greek F-16s and the frigate Elli are stationed in Cyprus, but he reiterated that this deployment is not intended to be permanent. "The F-16s remain in Cyprus and the frigate Elli remains in Cypriot territorial waters, but this is a temporary deployment," he stated. He added that no discussions have taken place about extending this presence or establishing a permanent military base on the island. "When circumstances are reassessed, we will discuss whether there is a need for a longer stay," he noted.
The current military assets were initially dispatched to Cyprus in March following an incident where an Iranian-made drone, launched from Lebanon, targeted the Akrotiri base. The frigates Psara and Kimon were sent at that time, with the Kimon later being replaced by the Elli. In addition, naval vessels from other European nations have also joined the Greek forces in the area.
Minister Palmas expressed gratitude towards Greece and other countries that have supported Cyprus during the recent regional crisis, highlighting their role in providing a "protective umbrella" for the Republic. This cooperation reflects the strong ties between Cyprus and Greece, particularly in matters of defense.
In related news, Palmas addressed the recently signed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Cyprus and France. He dismissed reports suggesting that this agreement would lead to a permanent French military presence on the island. Instead, he described the SOFA as a framework that enhances the relationship between Cyprus and France, facilitating cooperation in joint exercises, training programs, information sharing, and other military collaborations.
The minister explained that the agreement allows for French forces to be present in Cyprus for limited periods, primarily for specific operations such as humanitarian assistance or evacuation missions in the wider region. He provided an example of how French forces could utilize Cyprus as a staging point to assist French nationals in conflict zones within the Middle East.
Palmas was keen to differentiate this arrangement from the long-standing presence of Greek forces in Cyprus, known as Eldyk, which have been stationed on the island for decades. He emphasized that the current agreements and military collaborations are focused on enhancing Cyprus's defense capabilities and fostering partnerships with European nations.
Additionally, Palmas highlighted Cyprus's participation in the European Union's SAFE defense financing program, which aims to bolster the country's defense capabilities while also supporting the development of the local defense industry. The government is pursuing partnerships primarily with European countries, particularly France, to encourage cooperation between foreign defense firms and Cypriot companies in the development and production of military equipment.
As regional tensions continue to evolve, the Cypriot government remains vigilant and committed to assessing its defense posture in collaboration with its allies. The current military presence, while temporary, underscores the importance of international partnerships in ensuring regional stability and security.