Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-02-11

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

Thursday, 11 February 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus EU accession top priority of Greek Government
• [02] Missiles will be deployed in Crete and will remain in the possession of Cyprus

[01] Cyprus EU accession top priority of Greek Government

Speaking during yesterday's parliamentary debate on the ratification of the Amsterdam Treaty, the Greek Premier stressed that Cyprus' accession can be beneficial to both communities and especially to the Turkish Cypriots particularly in relation to financial benefits.

If the Turkish Cypriot side continues its intransigence and refuses to co- operate either in the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem or in the accession negotiations, "then Cyprus should become a full member of the Union as soon as the accession negotiations are concluded," he said.

[02] Missiles will be deployed in Crete and will remain in the possession of Cyprus

Speaking to the press at Larnaca airport on his return from Athens, Mr Chrysostomis expressed satisfaction with the talks he held in Athens with his Greek counterpart.

"I am very satisfied with the talks I had in the previous days in Athens with the Greek Defence Minister Mr Tsohatzopoulos. We discussed in a spirit of mutual understanding various issues regarding the co-operation of the two Ministries", he said

Mr Chrysostomis pointed out that the necessary arrangements have been made for the deployment of the S-300 missiles on the island of Crete, adding that some other arrangements must now be made with the Russian company which manufactures the missiles.

He explained that on Monday, delegations of the Cyprus and Greek Ministries would fly to Moscow to make the final arrangements between the manufacturing company and the governments of Cyprus and Greece.

Commenting on the Turkish threats regarding the deployment of the Russian S- 300 anti-aircraft missiles in Crete Mr Chrysostomis said: "This is a matter that concerns the Greek government".

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

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