End the Cyprus Embargo Act

Easier arms exports to Cyprus

If enacted, the bill would bar the Secretary of State from applying a policy of denial to exports, re-exports, or transfers of defense articles or defense services to or from the Republic of Cyprus when the request is made by or on behalf of the Cypriot government and the government is the end user. The exclusion would not apply when a denial is based on credible human rights concerns. The President could waive the exclusion for one fiscal year if he determines that is essential to U.S. national security. The change would take effect on the date of enactment. Beginning five years after enactment, the President could end the exclusion for a five‑year period (and renew for further five‑year periods) only after submitting a certification to these committees: the House Foreign Affairs Committee; the House Armed Services Committee; the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and the Senate Armed Services Committee. That certification must address Cyprus’s cooperation on anti‑money‑laundering reforms and Cyprus’s denial of Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing.