Athens, Nicosia, and Paris, in light of the resumption of bathymetric surveys by a French research vessel in October. The route of the submarine cable for the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnection project will be closely monitored by French and Greek naval forces.
According to the newspaper “Kathimerini,” Athens and Paris have mapped out scenarios for possible Turkish reactions. The mildest scenario involves Turkey issuing an illegal NAVTEX, while the most severe involves Ankara dispatching naval warships in order to prevent the surveys from taking place, as it did in July 2024 off the coast of Kasos.
Diplomatic sources mention a French proposal aimed at ruling out the possibility of a dangerous escalation. In this context, France will ask Athens and Nicosia to grant permission to conduct the surveys, while at the same time providing a simple briefing to Ankara, which will in no way constitute a request for permission. The notification will be provided by the French government and not by the ship that will conduct the research.
Preparations are in full swing for the military parade on October 1 as part of the celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Cyprus. The BARAK MX air defense system and the Cypriot unmanned aerial vehicles, which will be presented to the public for the first time, are expected to steal the show.
Of particular note will be the presence of a flight formation from the Egyptian Armed Forces, which will be accompanied by a twin-engine naval patrol and anti-submarine warfare helicopter that is already stationed at the “Andreas Papandreou” Air Base in Paphos. The presence of the Greek Force in Cyprus will also be reinforced; in addition to its infantry unit, it will also field motorized units. Greek F-16 fighter jets will once again fly over Nicosia this year, while the Greek government will be represented by Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias. And the surprises will continue with the presence of units from other allied countries as well.
Watch the report by Christoforos Nestoros:
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