US President Joe Biden announced the signing of a Presidential Determination concerning the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to three key US military programmes.
Specifically, this decision involves the integration of the Republic of Cyprus into the FMS, EDA, and Title 10 programmes, which strengthens bilateral strategic cooperation between Cyprus and the United States. This decision enables Cyprus to procure defence equipment from the US either free of charge or at a low cost, participate in training programmes, and modernise its National Guard. It bolsters Cyprus’s position as a pillar of security in the Eastern Mediterranean and enhances its geopolitical role.
This development comes during a period of robust US-Cyprus collaboration, which includes initiatives in humanitarian aid, combating financial crimes, and signing a strategic dialogue.
President Biden:I find that the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to the Republic of Cyprus will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace. pic.twitter.com/Ecsp4Uv8dr
— Lena Argiri (@lenaargiri) January 15, 2025
Pillar A – Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) is a programme of the United States that facilitates the sale of military equipment, services, and technology to friendly countries and international organisations. The programme is managed by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in collaboration with the US Department of State, serving as an important tool for US foreign policy and security strategy.
Key Features of FMS:
- Sales process: The US acts as an intermediary between the purchasing country and weapons manufacturers. The programme includes the sale of military equipment as well as training, maintenance, and post-sale support.
- Objective: To strengthen the security of US allies by providing technologies that enhance the military capabilities of allied states.
- Strategic support: Sales reinforce security relationships and stability in areas of interest, promoting interoperability between the partner forces and US military forces.
- Financing tools: While purchasing countries pay for the equipment and services, financing tools such as Foreign Military Financing (FMF) provide subsidies or loans. Pricing is based on production costs and support services.
Benefits for buyers: Access to high-quality modern weapons systems, US military support for maintenance, and training of military personnel.
Pillar B – Participation in the EDA programme
The Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme allows the United States to transfer surplus military equipment and material from its armed forces to allied and partner nations.
Features of the EDA programme:
- Nature of equipment: The equipment, no longer required by US forces, is functional and can be beneficial to other countries, such as Cyprus, in enhancing their military capabilities.
- Cost structure: Recipients typically do not pay for the equipment but are responsible for transportation and maintenance costs. In some cases, transfers may be free or at very low cost.
- Global use: The EDA programme has been extensively utilised by many countries, including Greece.
Pillar C – Title 10 assistance
Title 10 Security Assistance refers to various programmes and activities conducted by the US Department of Defence (DoD) aimed at supporting the military capabilities and security of allied or partner nations. These programmes are rooted in Title 10 of the US Code, which governs the powers and responsibilities of the DoD and the armed forces.
Key components of Title 10 assistance:
- Training and development of foreign military forces.
- Provision of defence-related equipment and services.
- Formation of partnerships with other countries to enhance regional stability and security.
- Addressing common threats such as terrorism and asymmetric conflicts.
What is a Presidential Determination?
A Presidential Determination in the United States is an official act or decision issued by the President, expressing a policy position or making a decision on matters of national significance.
- It establishes the US government’s stance on a specific issue (e.g., foreign policy, defence aid, economic support).
- US government agencies and departments are required to follow the directives or policies outlined in the Determination.
- It is often used to authorise actions such as providing military or economic assistance to other countries.
President Biden's determination of the ROC’s eligibility for government-to-government defense sales marks an important step in deepening the 🇺🇸🇨🇾 relationship, enhancing security cooperation & promoting stability in the East Med. https://t.co/vjjL3ZEplw
— Julie Davis (Fisher) (@USAmbCy) January 15, 2025
According to the White House, the presidential determination to provide defense articles and services to the Republic of Cyprus, states that this action will enhance US security and promote global peace.
The President, under legal authority from the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, directs the Secretary of State to notify Congress and publish this decision in the Federal Register.
“Under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 503(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and section 3(a)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, I hereby find that the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to the Republic of Cyprus will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace” the statement reads.
Addressing the Secretary of State, Biden says he is “authorised and directed to transmit this determination and the accompanying memorandum of justification to the Congress and to publish this determination in the Federal Register.”
Statement by the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia
“On January 15, 2025, President Biden issued a Presidential Determination of eligibility for the Republic of Cyprus to receive defense equipment, supplies, and services through the Foreign Military Sales, Excess Defense Articles divestment program, and Title 10 security assistance grant programs.
Access to these programs further enhances the growing bilateral security cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Cyprus, enabling greater interoperability to respond to regional humanitarian crises, counter malign influence, and combat terrorism and transnational organized crime.
American Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Davis Fisher said, ‘The President’s determination of the Republic of Cyprus’s eligibility for government-to-government defense sales marks an important step in deepening the bilateral relationship, enhancing security cooperation, and promoting regional stability. Cyprus continues to be a key partner for promoting security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, including facilitating humanitarian assistance to Gaza and assisting the departure of American citizens from conflict zones. This decision is fully consistent with our longstanding policy in support of a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, to the benefit of all Cypriots and the wider region.’ “
Türkiye Today also commented on the POTUS’ announcement stating that this development sparks new potential tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
President Biden's directive allowing Greek Cypriots to buy US arms adds new spark to potential tensions in Eastern Mediterranean pic.twitter.com/eEDbApSSeM
— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) January 16, 2025
Also read: President and Trump discussed strengthening Cyprus-US ties
Source: Sigmalive/CNA
