Just read the DCCS Internal Comms Brief. The medal will only be awarded to pers assigned to Op Telic or discrete ops in spt of. The JOA has 2 zones - (1)In Iraq and Kuwait (2) Elsewhere in spt.
Therefore, my understanding is if in Cyprus assigned to Op Telic you get a medal. If in Cyprus as a posting you don't. SImilarly all the boys'n'girls in CENTCOM should qualify.
What isn't clear is the reason for the different zones. Methinks it might be similar to CORPORATE and GRANBY whereby if in sound of gunshots you get the rosette.
First medals to be issued in Spring 04 ! I don't think so.