Statement by the government Spokesman Dr Yiannakis Kassoulides - 8/9/1996

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

As you know, shots have been fired against an army post of the Turkish occupation troops at the Ayios Kendeas area which resulted in the killing of one Turkish soldier and the wounding of another. The National Guard has been notified through the United Nations about the incident. As it emerges from thorough investigations, the shots were not heard from the closest National Guard Post, which is about 700 metres from the Turkish army post. Moreover, we are sure that no shots were fired by members of the National Guard and this has been verified by the examination of the arms and ammunition in the possession of National Guardsmen in the area.

Furthermore, the Cyprus Police which is carrying out investigations on our side, had not received reports about any incident and did not have any information about unsual movements or anything indicating that these shots were fired from the government controlled areas.

The Spokesman of the British Bases, the authorities of which are making inquiries into the incident as the army post touches upon the Base Area, said that shots were fired from a place north of the Turkish post, that is, not from the government controlled areas. However, it is also claimed that the perpetrators crossed the 100 metres strip of the Base Area territory that separates the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish occupied areas.

We are waiting to see on what evidence they base this claim. In any case, the Bases Spokesman has made it clear that this does not mean that the perpetrators are Greek Cypriots. They have not said such a thing, he said, and they do not point the finger at any direction. He did not rule out the possibility that Turks may be the perpetrators, if the culprits had moved through the point of the Base Area to which reference is made. The Cyprus Government will examine all possibilities with a sense of responsibility and will not jumb to conclusions. In any case, however, from investigations, made so far, it is clear that there is nothing linking these shots and this incident with Greek Cypriots. We do not rule out the possibility that this was an action carried out by agents provocateurs, aiming at raising tension in the area. In fact we consider it as one of the most likely possibilities.

I repeat, however, that all possibilities will be investigated and clarified. Our side does not wish the creation of tension in the area and the island in general. We are ready to do our utmost to defuse tension. On the contrary, statements such as those made by Mr Denktash and Mrs Ciller, who do not miss an opportunity to put the blame on the National Guard and the Cyprus Republic, are not conducive to defusing tension".

Asked if the British Authorities say that the perpetrators are in the government controlled areas, Mr Kasoulides said: "They do not say such a thing. We have some evidence, given by citizens of the Republic, that a vehicle was seen leaving at breakneck speed to the occupied areas.

The Police are in the area taking depositions. Now I speak with reservations. I will make an official statement when we have these depositions in our hands".

Asked how concerned the Government was about the incident, Mr Kassoulides said: "Apart from the tension which, as natural, was created in the area, and the text-book military response, there are no other movements or activities giving cause for concern about the security of the Government controlled areas".

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