Statement on Cyprus missile announcement

By John Sitilides <sitilides@westernpolicy.org>,
Executive Director, The Western Policy Center¹

Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, 29 December 1998

"The Government of Cyprus should be commended for a courageous decision that will help reduce tensions and restore needed focus on the demilitarization of Cyprus, the removal of all foreign troops, and the rejection of the use of force in resolving political and legal disputes. Importantly, this decision also diminishes the possibility of war between NATO allies Greece and Turkey."

"This diplomatic initiative should help build confidence in Turkey and among Turkish Cypriots, an important step in a four-way process including Ankara and Athens towards a just and comprehensive Cyprus settlement. Turkey should begin a sizable reduction of its occupation forces, and Greece should suspend plans to boost naval and air force deployments on Cyprus. Every effort should be made to avoid military solutions to political, legal and diplomatic problems.

"On the heels of initial success in Northern Ireland and the Middle East this year, the administration’s dedication to helping resolve the Cyprus question, repair the Greek-Turkish relationship, and establish genuine stability in the eastern Mediterranean should be applauded."