The United States is waiting for Cyprus to guarantee denied access to ports for Russian warships, a position identified in a briefing by Assistant Secretary of State for Military-Political Affairs Clark Cooper.

Cooper explained that denying Russian ships access to its ports would allow Cyprus to work more closely with the United States in defense. He expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of the Cypriot authorities to take “the necessary steps” in that direction and stressed that the United States would like to see progress.

The Assistant Secretary of State also added that further cooperation with the United States was impossible until Nicosia proved its capabilities. In the politician’s opinion, “this is a very honest dialogue”.