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Russia confirms it fulfill obligations to repair 11 Cypriot Mi-35P helicopters

The Cypriot Defense Ministry signed a contract with Russia on December 2 to conduct repair of 11 Mi-35P combat helicopters

Mi-35M on its way to Crocus EXPO for HeliRussia 2013 helicopter exhibition ITAR-TASS/Marina Lystseva

Mi-35M on its way to Crocus EXPO for HeliRussia 2013 helicopter exhibition

© ITAR-TASS/Marina Lystseva

NICOSIA, December 27. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia confirmed that it was ready to fulfill the obligations under a contract with the Cypriot Defense Ministry to repair 11 Mi-35P helicopters despite negative reports, which misrepresent the agreement’s terms, the Russian Embassy in Cyprus said in a statement on Friday.

“The contract price proves real expenses related to its implementation. Any arguments on performing repairs outside the Russian Federation and outside certificated centers will delay the implementation of the contract and increase its price in 2014,” the statement says.

“The absence of guarantees for qualitative and legitimate repair in such centers will reduce combat readiness of Cyprus’ Air Force,” the statement says.

The Cypriot Defense Ministry signed a contract with Russia on December 2 to conduct repair of 11 Mi-35P combat helicopters. Local mass media report that the ministry’s request to financing the agreement and a contract with Israel on the construction of two combat coastguard boats stirred up opposition by the parliament’s deputies of the rule party Democratic Rally. They considered these expenses “extravagant” amidst the crisis. Certain newspapers disputed the contract obligations. The contract price reaches 28 million euro, Cypriot mass media report.

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