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Israel asks airbase in Cyprus in exchange for air defense
This request comes after the recent incidents of harassment of a Cyprus Airways flight and the continuous violations of Cypriot airspace south and east of Paphos. In the "A. Papandreou" AB, the Cypriot government has built the necessary infrastructure for hosting and supporting fighter aircraft, while nearly a decade ago F-16 fighter jets of the HAF had stationed for a short time at the AB under the joint defence area doctrine between Greece and Cyprus. The Israeli proposal is a significant upgrade of military relations between Israel and Cyprus, and certainly any decision taken by the Cypriot government will change the military balance in Cyprus. This move also shows the determination of Israel to defend the energy resources of the area and its concern for the Turkish aggression. On the other hand such a move, if it were acceptable, would undoubtedly upgrade the crisis in the area because of the gas drilling. However, in general, the Israeli proposal is a qualitative improvement in relations between the two countries and should be examined with caution. Posted by: Steve White 2011-09-29 |
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| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=330672 |