Roundup: Cyprus, Russia initiate cooperation protocol

Cyprus and Russia initialized a new cooperation protocol on Friday, the state television reported.

It said the protocol, along with other agreements, will be signed by Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades when he visits Moscow on Feb. 25.

Cypriot Finance Minister Haris Georgiades said the protocol is a reaffirmation of close relations between the two countries.

Russian Federation Deputy Minister for Economic Development Nicolai Podguzov said the protocol lays the foundation for expanded cooperation in the sectors of trade, energy, tourism, education, science, agriculture and stockbreeding.

Cooperation agreements in the sectors of commercial shipping and telecommunications will also be signed.

"We have drafted a very important package and have prepared the ground to a large extent for the signing of the protocol by the two presidents," Podguzov told the Cypriot state television.

Analysts consider as even more important the renewal of a military cooperation agreement expected to be also signed on Feb. 25, which will expand military cooperation between Cyprus and the Russian Federation.

The prospect of military facilities to Russia by Cyprus has already caused a strong reaction by Britain's High Commissioner (Ambassador) to Cyprus.

Britain's High Commissioner Rick Todd said in an interview this week which was characterized by an unusual lack of diplomatic tact that Cyprus has to consider that extending Russia's facilities is not in line with the European Union's common policies on Russia.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades replied that he would not think of making diplomatic suggestions to Britain and also played down the importance and the scope of the military agreement.

He said that the renewed agreement will offer Russia what other countries, including Britain, already enjoy, "perhaps excessively."

Britain has two military bases in Cyprus, one of which is considered to be one of the most important air and electronic bases supporting NATO operations in the region.

Cyprus also provides refueling and maintenance facilities to French planes at Paphos airbase in the western part of the island and port facilities to German warships.

Anastasiades said the same facilities will be offered to Russia.

But analysts believe that Britain would feel uneasy having Russian warships at a breath's distance from is main Akrotiri air base which is separated by only a wire fence from the port of Limassol, where Russia is also seeking storage space for spare parts.

Facilities to Russian planes will be probably offered at the Paphos airbase, just 40 kilometers to the west. Endit