Cyprus presses ahead with EU-backed defence plans, base upgrades and Nato aspirations

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has defended Cyprus’ expanding network of military partnerships, insisting that the republic would not seek anyone’s approval over defence agreements and arguing that Turkey should instead focus on its own conduct and the continuing occupation of the island.

In an interview with The Cyprus Mail, Palmas reserved some of his strongest language for criticism directed at Cyprus’ growing defence ties and the signing of Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs), including...