Cyprus–United States relations
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Cyprus – United States relations are bilateral relations between Cyprus and the United States. Cyprus has an embassy in Washington, D.C. and a consulate general in New York City. The United States has an embassy in Nicosia. Relations between the two countries can be described as being excellent, both sharing membership in the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation. Cyprus has been an observer to the Organization of American States.[1]
According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 26% of Cypriots approve of U.S. leadership, with 35% disapproving and 39% uncertain.[2]
History
The United States regards the status quo on Cyprus as unacceptable. Successive administrations have viewed UN-led inter-communal negotiations as the best means to achieve a fair and permanent settlement.
The United States is working closely with Cyprus in the War on Terrorism. A mutual legal assistance treaty, which has been in force since September 18, 2002, facilitates bilateral cooperation. Cyprus also signed a Proliferation Security Initiative Ship Boarding Agreement with the United States on July 25, 2005, which reinforces bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation.
The United States has channeled more than $1 million in assistance to the two communities since the mid-1970s, and now provides approximately $24 million annually to reduce tensions and promote peace and cooperation between the two communities. In 2004, following the Annan Plan process, the U.S. appropriated an additional $435729370 million to assist economic development in the Turkish Cypriot community, aiming to reduce the economic costs of any future settlement.
Principal U.S. officials include:
- Ambassador--Ronald L. Schlicher
- Deputy Chief of Mission--Jane B. Zimmerman
- Consular Officer--Randy Carlino
- Acting Defense Attaché—LTC Scott Miller
- Economic/Commercial Officer--James Carouso
- Management Officer--Warren Hadley
- Political Officer--Gregory Macris
- Public Affairs Officer--Thomas S. Miller
- USAID--Thomas A. Dailey
The U.S. Embassy in Cyprus is located in Engomi, Nicosia.
Education in the USA
Due to the massive flow of Cypriot under-graduate and post graduate students Cyprus-America Scholarship Program (CASP) offers scholarships for Cypriot students wanting to pursue a bachelor's degree in the United States. The CASP competition is open for bachelor's degrees in all fields except Medicine and Dentistry. A Bachelor’s Degree in the United States usually takes four years. The scholarship is for a maximum amount of $25,000 each year, for a maximum total of $100,000.
Relations in the modern era
Relations between USA and Cyprus can be described as being in an excellent mood due to the approach of Cyprus government with the Israeli government over the recent Gaza flotilla raid. Also Cyprus has given the rights to a US oil extracting multinational to extract natural gas in "Cyprus A" sea block. Cyprus is seen as the closest democratic state in the Middle East and, as a result, the United States sometimes requests use of their military bases, ports or airports such as Larnaca International Airport.
See also
References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Department of State (Background Notes).
External links
Media related to Cyprus – United States relations at Wikimedia Commons
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