Whenever things got tough, suddenly massive gas deposits would be “discovered” in our Exclusive Economic Zone’s seabed. Each new plot would prove to be a treasure, christened Glafkos, Aphrodite, Calypso, Onasagoras… Or a new agreement would be signed with an international drilling and exploitation company. Until eventually, no one cared about gas anymore.
The fairy tale had worn thin from constant retelling.
These days, when things get difficult, the antidote to gloom—the glitter thrown to cover the looming grey—is “we’re doing well internationally” and especially our relationship with America.
Who cares about a Pakistani man killed by police bullets? Who cares whether the holes in the victim’s car were from bullets or bird droppings? Who cares how the president treats his staff when they’re being abused by football club supporters?
Who remembers that just last week, the major issue was police corruption and their inability to keep citizens safe?
As Biden was leaving the White House, he left instructions for Cyprus to have access to American weapons systems. And so we’ll be able to procure advanced weaponry, at good prices with swift delivery. We’ll now be considered US allies.
All this was discussed last October when, days before the election, Biden invited President Christodoulides to the White House. However, he waited until his final day in office to sign the agreement—and the timing proved perfect. The government spokesman silenced everyone when announcing the news.
And if APOEL thinks they can threaten the president by saying this will be his first and last term, they won’t succeed. The president has America’s backing. The president has made Cyprus a force to be reckoned with. From Amalthea to Foreign Military Sales (FMS). We haven’t felt such military excitement since the S300 era. Turkey is already trembling (as are those who witnessed the plundering of defence equipment in previous years).
And is that all? A “safari” in the US to attract quality investments is imminent, along with efforts to persuade successful Cypriots abroad to return home. The Minister of Labour will join this “safari” to help overseas Cypriots understand that while your boss might throw you under the bus one day, it’s business as usual the next.