Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-12-31

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Thursday, 31 December 1998

CONTENTS

• [01] International community welcomes Clerides' decision not to deploy missiles
• [02] Local reactions to President Clerides' decision on missiles

[01] International community welcomes Clerides' decision not to deploy missiles

The UN Chief's Spokesman said in a statement that "the Secretary-General was very glad to hear President Clerides' decision" stressing that this was a "tangible positive response to Security Council resolutions 1217 and 1218" and "to the appeal to both parties to avoid any actions which might increase tension, including by further expansion of military forces and armaments".

In the statement the Secretary-General also reiterated "his full commitment to the initiative which he took on 30 September to ask his Deputy Special Representative, Dame Ann Hercus, to begin a process of on-island talks with both sides with a view to reducing tension and promoting progress towards a just and lasting settlement."

Moreover, the European Union welcomed the decision taken by President Clerides not to bring S-300 missiles to the island. "This decision has eliminated a source of tension on the island and should encourage progress towards a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus conflict. It should be followed by gestures also from Turkish side," a statement by the EU Presidency said.

"The European Union strongly endorses Resolutions 1217 and 1218 passed by the UN Security Council on 22 December and fully supports the ongoing efforts of the UN Secretary General's Deputy Special Representative for Cyprus.

The European Union is of the view that President Clerides' decision constitutes a positive development also in the perspective of Cyprus' EU- accession. It shows that the increasingly strong ties between Cyprus and EU are able to contribute to the reduction of tensions and to the search for a political solution," the EU Presidency statement added.

Germany also welcomed President Clerides' decision not to deploy the S300 defence missile system on the island. Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Erdmann described the decision as "an important message for reducing the dangerously high level of arms in Cyprus," adding that the federal government in Germany would also welcome a contribution by Turkey to the building of trust by reducing its military presence in Cyprus.

The German Ministry official reassured that the reduction of tension on the island remains one of Germany's goals and that his country will contribute to a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem.

France also heralded President Clerides' decision. A French Foreign Ministry statement described the decision as wise and courageous, adding that it constitutes an important contribution to the reduction of tension in the island and the region.

[02] Local reactions to President Clerides' decision on missiles

Stylianides added that even though the preconditions the government had set out in order not to deploy the Russian-made missiles had not been met to the full the decision was taken in view of today's international situation and to the benefit of Hellenism.

Moreover, the spokesman said that the deployment of the S-300 in the Greek island of Crete would serve the joint defence pact agreed between Nicosia and Athens in 1993 and added that the agreement for their purchase would be discussed between the three interested parties (Cyprus, Greece, Russia).

President Clerides' decision caused strong reaction at home. The "Cyprus Mail" newspaper reports today that "the reaction from Clerides' established political foes, but even from some of his erstwhile backers, was scolding."

DIKO leader and former President Spyros Kyprianou said: "If I were the President I would have resigned." Mr Kyprianou said during a press- conference yesterday that the missile decision was just plain wrong. He added that his party would vote against all defence spending until "clear" explanations of government defence policy were given.

Moreover, Socialist party EDEK yesterday took the initial decision to pull out of the government, following President Clerides' decision not to deploy the S300 missile system in Cyprus. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Political Bureau and will be put before the Central Committee for approval on Saturday.

Both EDEK ministers, Defence Minister Yiannakis Omirou and Education and Culture Minister Lykourgos Kappas, are expected to hand their resignations to the President if the Central Committee approves yesterday's decision.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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