Filenews 5 March 2022 - by Andreas Pimpisis
Cypriot ports must be closed to Russian ships while Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues and as long as the decisions of the European Union continue to apply. For the Republic of Cyprus, Russian ships are undesirable for as long as the war in Ukraine lasts. And this was evident recently when Nicosia with a note verbale cancelled the docking of Russian warships.
Diplomatic sources confirmed to the "F" information (of Alpha) that the Republic of Cyprus did not allow the docking of five vessels of the Russian Navy. The five ships had a scheduled visit to the port of Limassol in the framework of the cooperation between Cyprus and Russia and the provision of facilities by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus. They were reportedly frigates and support vessels that would come for refuelling purposes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a note verbale to Russia, informed her that due to the developments in Ukraine, the agreement on the provision of facilities and a berthing permit cannot be valid. This forced the Russian ships to look for another port for refuelling.
The decision of the Cypriot Government is in the spirit of the discussions in Brussels to extend the measures against Russia and, in addition to the European national airspace, to close the ports of the Member States. Such a decision would have a much greater impact on Cyprus than the failure to provide facilities to five warships that would come for refuelling. The closure of ports for Russian ships will have a wider impact.
In the case of Russian warships, if the Cypriot government did not act as a deterrent, then there was a serious possibility that Russian navy, French and American vessels would sail side by side in the Cypriot sea. Because as it is known at the same time, off the coast of Limassol, was the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which, as it is known, is accompanied by a number of other warships.
In the sea area of Cyprus, warships of the United States were also found. Last Wednesday, in the context of the presence of the American Destroyer (A/T) USS ROSS (DDG-71), in the sea area of Cyprus, the Navy Command (DN) of the Hellenic National Guard General Staff (GEEF), conducted the first joint naval cooperation exercise (PASSEX), with the US Navy (HN), under the name "CYP/ USA -01/2022", South Limassol.
The purpose of the exercise, which was designed by the DN of the GEEF, in collaboration with the American Navy, was the execution of naval drills between warships of the DN and the American Navy and the promotion of interoperability between them and the Offshore Ship (GP) IOANNIDIS and the A/T USS ROSS (DDG-71) participated in it.
In particular, the scenario of the exercise included Tactical Movements and Forward Manoeuvres, conducting a Formation, performing a high school dealing with an asymmetric threat and a communications high school. The exercise was completed with a greeting crossing between the 2 Ships.
The exercise, which is part of the network of international collaborations developed by the National Guard with the Armed Forces of friends and allied countries, is considered to be particularly beneficial, as it enables the personnel of the NAVY to be co-trained with Units of the American Navy, highlighting in this way the excellent relations between the Armed Forces of the two countries.
An announcement of the Hellenic National Guard General Staff states that "on the occasion of the docking of the AMERICAN AIRCRAFT USS ROSS (DDG-71) at the port of Limassol, on Monday, February 28, 2022, the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis, in the presence of the Ambassador of the United States of America to Cyprus, Mrs. Judith G. Garbero, made a ceremonial visit, where he was informed about the capabilities and the mission of the ship. Then, after being guided to the ship's premises, he had a meeting with the Commander of the USS ROSS A/T (DDG-71), Lieutenant Scott Jones, where they discussed issues of common interest."
EU LEADERS IN VERSAILLES
An extraordinary summit will take place next week with the main theme of developments in Ukraine and the new order that is being created for the European Union. French Ambassador Salina Grene-Catalano, in statements to the CNA, said the tragedy in Ukraine will change Europe. "There will be economic consequences because of the sanctions but we will protect our citizens from them. Our freedom and the freedom of our children are no longer a given. Now more than ever it takes courage and will to fight for it all the time," he added.
He noted that "this challenge, which we face as Europeans, shows, according to President Macron, that the EU must reach a complete dominance in the international order. To this end, it must strengthen its strength, whether in economic planning, energy independence, or defence capabilities," he pointed out. He added that these objectives will also set the agenda for the EU Summit to be held on 10 and 11 March in Versailles, under the French Presidency of the Council of the EU.
