Boosting Cyprus’ defense is key given proximity to war-wracked Mideast, defense minister says

Bolstering Cyprus' defense capacity is critical for the east Mediterranean island nation so close to the war-wrecked Middle East, the country's defense minister has said.

The priority for Cyprus is to procure better defense systems, said Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas. The minister, who spoke to The Associated Press in the nation's capital of Nicosia, outlined some defense plans though he would not go into specifics about arms procurement programs.

"The situation in the eastern Mediterranean, with its continuous shifting geostrategic balances and competing interests makes it even more pressing for the island to bolster its defensive capabilities," Palmas said.

Meanwhile, a senior government official confirmed to the AP that Cyprus recently received a part of the Israeli-made Barak MX integrated air defense system.

The official, who spoke on condition of...