U.S. Praises Cypriot International Terrorism Efforts

The American government noted that: "...the Cypriots successfully prosecuted Hossam Yaacoub Taleb, a Lebanese Hizballah operative, for conducting surveillance activities on Israeli targets in Cyprus".

Yesterday, the U.S. State Department issued its 2013 Report on Terrorism and stated, "The Government of the Republic of Cyprus collaborated closely with the United States, the EU, and other countries – bilaterally and multilaterally – in international counterterrorism efforts".

The analysis admired the island and claimed that, "Cyprus' counterterrorism partnership with the United States included regular, routine protection for transiting U.S. military personnel, aircraft, and naval vessels throughout 2013; and participation in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance and Regional Security Initiative programs, which strengthened the government's capacity to counter terrorism".