Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-10-14

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Tuesday, October 14, 1997

Mass violations by Turkish planes

ALL the Greek newspapers yesterday gave front-page coverage to the on-going military exercise Nikiforos, by National Guard reservist forces in co- operation with sea and air forces from Greece.

Simerini says that Greek air force planes taking part in the exercise were challenged by Turkish planes.

The paper says that in some cases the fighter planes of the two countries engaged in mock dogfights.

On Sunday afternoon three Greek air force jets flew over the town of Paphos while taking part in Nikiforos.

Phileleftheros says that Turkish air force planes flew near the area of the exercise on Sunday and took aerial photographs of the military activity on the ground.

The paper, reporting on the visit to Ankara by US envoy for Cyprus Richard Holbrooke, says that the American diplomat chose to be there while Nikiforos is taking place to be in a better position to defuse any unforseen developments.

On the other hand Haravghi quotes Akel party leader Demetris Christofias as saying that Holbrooke's visit to Ankara at this time cannot have any tangible effects on efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. Akel's Secretary- General said that efforts for a solution should be kept within the framework of the United Nations.

The paper also reports the violations by Turkish air force planes of the Cyprus Flight Information region (FIR).

Reporting on the violations by Turkish planes Agon headlines its story:`They are playing with fire'. The paper says that mass violations of Greek and Cypriot air space had been reported on Sunday.

In another story the paper says that during the last few days Akel has approached Diko to discuss the possibility of reaching an agreement for the February presidential elections.

Alithia says that Holbrooke's visit to Turkey aims to devise some sort of formula that will enable Turkey to strengthen its relations with the EU.

The American diplomat believes that such a development would encourage Turkey to take more positive steps regarding efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

© Copyright 1997 Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article