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Cyprus in talks with Russia over use of airports in Syria airstrikes

Tuesday, 08 December 2015 12:25 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 08 December 2015 12:28 AM ]

A picture taken on October 3, 2015 shows a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 bomber taking off from the Hmeimim airbase in the Syrian province of Latakia. (AFP)

Cyprus is in talks with Moscow on a deal that would allow Russian fighter jets conducting anti-terror airstrikes in Syria to use Cypriot airports in emergency situations.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said on Monday that there was a "dialogue between the governments of Cyprus and Russia on the matter of facilities for humanitarian and emergency purposes."

He added that the potential agreement with Moscow would be along the lines of a similar deal permitting French warplanes conducting airstrikes in Syria to land at Cypriot airports in situations where it is necessary.

The minister further stressed that Cyprus is obliged by international law to offer similar facilities to other countries in emergency situations.

"International law requires that help is given in an emergency situation and there is agreement," Kasoulides said, adding that "a legal drafting process for an agreement" with Moscow was also underway.

According to the top diplomat, the potential accord with Russia will also permit the use of Cypriot facilities to ease the possible evacuation of Russian nationals from neighboring countries.

Cyprus' easternmost tip is at a distance less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the Syrian coast.

Moscow launched its air raids against Daesh and other terrorist groups in Syria on September 30, upon a request from the Syrian government.

On September 27, France claimed that it had carried out its first airstrikes against purported positions of Daesh terrorists in Syria.

France and other members of the so-called US-led coalition purportedly fighting Daesh in Syria are carrying out airstrikes in the Arab country without any authorization from Damascus or a UN mandate.

Britain, another member of the US-led coalition, launched its first Syria airstrikes from its air base in Cyprus earlier this month.

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