(7 Jan 1997) English/Nat
The United States Monday deplored a decision by Cyprus to buy surface-to-air missiles from Russia, saying it would complicate efforts to frame a settlement for the divided Mediterranean island.
The State Department said with the estimated 660 (m) million dollar deal, Russia was contributing to a weapons buildup in the volatile region, despite U-N resolutions urging cuts in military spending on Cyprus.
State Department spokesman, Nicholas Burns, used strong language on Monday, criticizing Cyprus for importing missiles with an estimated range of 90 miles.
SOUNDBITE:
"The United States regrets this step - and we have made it clear to the governments of Cyprus and others that we believe that this will complicate efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Cyprus. The Cypriot decision introduces a new and destabilising military element on the island and in the region, at the very time that the international community is exploring ways to foster political cooperation to significantly advance a settlement. Cyprus is already one of the most militarised regions in the world. Turkey maintains a very large military force on island and both sides are already heavily armed."
SUPER CAPTION: Nicholas Burns, State Department spokesman
In Cyprus, President Glafcos Clerides rejected the U.S. protest, saying that as long as part of Cyprus continues to be occupied by Turkey, the Greek part of the island will continue to strengthen its defences.
Burns also said the issue had been taken up with the Russian government.
SOUNDBITE:
"We have expressed our similar disappointment to the Russian government and we have been in touch, as you can imagine, with the Greek and Turkish governments and others about the ramifications of this sale. And we've issued a very strongly worded protest today, it is somewhat unusual for us to do this, but I think you should take that as a sign of the displeasure of the United States and for what we think this will do - the negative consequences it will have for the peace negotiations."
SUPER CAPTION: Nicholas Burns, State Department spokesman
Russia brushed aside the protest, saying the sale of an advanced air defense system to the Greek Cypriot government could not be perceived as a threat.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Gennady Tarasov said in Moscow that Russia has no intentions to end its military cooperation with Cyprus.
In Washington, Burns advised Turkey to be restrained in its response.
SOUNDBITE:
"Well, we certainly hope and believe there will be no, ah, there will be no military reaction, that would be absolutely beyond the bounds. We're worried about the effect on the peace negotiations themselves."
SUPER CAPTION: Nicholas Burns, State Department spokesman
Turkish troops invaded Cyprus 22 years ago, bolstering the Turkish Cypriot community, which then declared its independence from the mostly ethnic Greek government in Nicosia.
Ever since, the United States and other nations have sought ways to promote a settlement acceptable to the two communities as well as Turkey and Greece, both NATO allies.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
