Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-05-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Defence Minister: Our wish is for peace and stability

1920:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Defence Minister: Our wish is for peace and stability

Omirou also pointed out that the deployment of Russian defensive system S-300 could be avoided if there was an agreement on the demilitarisation of Cyprus or a dialogue that could lead to a Cyprus settlement.

"Our position is clear. We wish for peace and stability both in Cyprus and the region", he said, pointing out, however, that Turkey insists to follow practices which remind one of the times of the Ottoman Empire.

Noting that Turkish threats of attack if the S-300 are deployed as scheduled, later this year, Omirou said would destroy the chances of peace, and added:

"The deployment of S-300 could be avoided if there is an agreement for demilitarisation of Cyprus or for a dialogue leading to a solution of the Cyprus problem."

Asked to comment on Cyprus' prospects of becoming an associate partner to the Western European Union, Omirou said a dialogue is in process and expressed the hope that Cyprus' status of participation in the WEU will be upgraded.

"Parallel to accession talks with the European Union, Cyprus should also move towards the WEU", he stressed, pointing out that "if Europe wishes for a substantial presence and role in the Mediterranean, Cyprus should be included in a collective European defence system".

CNA MAN/MCH/KN/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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