FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Embassy
Friday, April 8, 2005

The United States and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus
conclude an agreement on the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)

After two days of discussion on April 6 and 7 2005, the United States and the Republic of Cyprus have successfully concluded negotiations on the text of a bilateral agreement within the framework of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), establishing procedures and safeguards for shipboarding operations on the high-seas aimed at combating the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. This agreement underscores the shared commitment of our two governments to combating proliferation and global terrorism. We have a common approach to a common goal: making the high seas inhospitable to the transport of weapons of mass destruction. We are very pleased with both the outcome of the discussions and the positive and constructive spirit in which they were conducted.

U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Craig Kuehl hailed the agreement in principle reached by the delegations as “an excellent example of a common approach by the two governments resulting in concrete achievement.” He added that this latest success was another example of “close cooperation between our two governments in the war on terrorism.” “We are confident that there will be other areas of cooperation as well”, he added.