Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-09-21

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] President stresses importance of security talks

[02] Russian Ambassador says S300 to be deployed

1205:CYPPRESS:01

[01] President stresses importance of security talks

Referring to an agreement between the two sides announced last Monday by US Secretary of State during a stop over in Cyprus, the President expressed hope the Turkish Cypriots will also show good will.

President Clerides described security as "one of the fundamental issues" of the Cyprus problem and said he expects an initiative for an overall settlement after the 1998 presidential elections.

He reiterated his "ultimate aim is the reunification of the island, the removal of Turkish troops occupying 37 percent of its territory since they invaded in 1974, the safeguarding of human rights and the peaceful coexistence of all communities."

President Clerides expressed optimism that a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem will be reached and said there is increased international interest for a solution here.

He said this could be achieved with the help of Greece and a joint defence pact between the two countries decided in 1993, as well as the efforts of overseas Hellenes and foreign countries and personalities.

The President added his government's policy has brought the Cyprus question to the limelight and revealed Turkish intransigence in efforts for a settlement.

CNA MA/RG/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1315:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Russian Ambassador says S300 to be deployed

In an interview published today in "Fileleftheros" daily newspaper, Georgi Mouratov dismissed Turkish threats to attack the island if the S300 are installed.

He also supported Cyprus' right to buy defence missiles and expressed hope for a settlement to the protracted Cyprus problem.

Mouratov said the contract signed between the government and Russia for the purchase of the S300 "concerns our bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

"Nobody can intervene and violate international law, threatening with the use of violence, or imposing views relating to Russia's relations with third countries," he added.

Mouratov said Russia will safeguard that "the system is deployed" and dismissed Turkish threats to attack the island as "more of a war of nerves, made to impress".

He clarified that the S300, ordered by the Cyprus government in January, is mainly a radar that will enable the Republic to control flights within its air space.

"Statements that Cyprus will be able to attack Turkish planes over Turkish territory are ridiculous," Mouratov added.

He also said that only a small number of people will need to come to Cyprus for a short period in order to install the anti-aircraft system.

Mouratov said his country wants to have close and friendly relations with Turkey, but said it must be understood it does not allow any country to intervene in its internal issues.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, the Russian Ambassador said it must be solved "as it is obvious to all that otherwise the situation here will worsen".

He said Moscow "participates and will continue to be active in efforts for a solution to the Cyprus question because it is a permanent member of the UN Security Council".

CNA MA/RG/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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