Special to WorldTribune.com

MOSCOW — Russia has been preparing to sign a major military
agreement with the Republic of Cyprus.

Officials said the Kremlin has drafted an agreement that envisioned
significant military and defense cooperation with Cyprus.
The officials said the accord could result in eventual Russian military deployment on the eastern Mediterranean island.

“There will not be a permanent [Russian] military presence,” an official said. “But there could be permanent basing rights for the Navy and Air Force.”

The agreement could anger NATO and the European Union. Cyprus has been
employed as a hub for the air forces of Britain and the United States.

Officials said Moscow has sought permission to fly military aircraft to
the Cypriot airport of Paphos. They said the Russian Air Force has
drafted plans to establish facilities to service aircraft that patrol the
Mediterranean and Levant.

Russia has been deemed a leading ally of Nicosia. In 1999, the Kremlin
diverted a shipment of the S-300PMU1 air defense system from Cyprus after
threats by neighboring Turkey. The system was taken over by Greece and
deployed in Crete.

Officials said the Russian Navy has proposed permanent basing rights at
the Cypriot port of Limassol. Over the last 20 years, the Russian Navy was
allowed to dock in Limassol to replenish supplies and fuel.

  Kremlin, Limassol, Paphos, Russian military accord with Cyprus could pose problems for NATO, U.S.