Cyprus and France hold naval exercise in Cypriot waters

Cyprus and France hold joint exercise
March 6, 2012 | Filed under: Geopolitics
Cyprus and France have carried out an aeronautical search and rescue exercise in the sea area south of Cyprus.

The exercise was coordinated by the Coordination Centre for Search and Rescue of the Republic of Cyprus.

In a statement, Defence Minister Demetris Eliades said that the exercise was crowned with success adding that it was the first time such an exercise of such an extent takes place.

The exercise was carried out in the morning and lasted four hours. Cyprus participated in the exercise with two ships and two helicopters, medical staff and other services of the Republic, the Coordination Centre for Search and Rescue of the Republic of Cyprus, whereas France participated with its modern frigate FORBIN and one of its helicopters stationed in the port of the south coastal town of Larnaca.

The Minister said similar exercises between the Cypriot and French forces will continue to take place in the future in the framework of the cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence as well as with other countries.

He further noted that under international law, the Republic of Cyprus has sovereign rights in both its Exclusive Economic Zone as well as in the area of the Nicosia FIR.

We have, however obligations as well in the field of search and rescue. We meet these obligations in a responsible and reliable manner, and in cooperation with major powers, he added.

The exercise scenario involved a maritime accident response and ship piracy in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone and Responsibility Area Search and Rescue of Cyprus with transport of the wounded by helicopter to a hospital in Larnaca.

The exercise was attended by the French Ambassador and military attache of the Embassy, officers of the Coordination Centre for Search and Rescue of the Republic of Cyprus and the Police.

Source: famagusta-gazette.com

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