Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-12-30

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

Wednesday, 30 December 1998

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides announces that missiles will not be deployed in Cyprus
• [02] International reaction to the announcement

[01] President Clerides announces that missiles will not be deployed in Cyprus

"I returned today from the Greek capital, where I had had a long meeting with the Greek Prime Minister Mr Simitis, in the presence of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Mr Pangalos and Mr Tsohatzopoulos, the Deputy Foreign Minister Mr Papandreou and the Assistant Foreign Minister Mr Kranidiotis. At this meeting, I made an extensive briefing on the views and positions of the political parties in Cyprus concerning the question of the S-300 missiles, as these where expressed at the recent meeting of the National Council and were subsequently put down in writing.

In the afternoon I chaired a new meeting of the National Council, in the course of which I conveyed the views of the Greek Government and discussed again the positions of the political parties in Cyprus on the question of the missiles.

The positions of the parties were clear, as it was also clear that there was no unanimity. As a result of this, as President of the Cyprus Republic, being fully aware of the responsibilities I am shouldering and being fully conscious of the critical times our national issue is passing through, I reached the decision not to deploy the missiles in Cyprus and I agreed to negotiate with the Russian Government for their possible deployment in Crete.

In taking this decision, I took seriously into account the positions of the Greek Government, as these were set out on November 27 and were repeated today, as well as the positions of the majority of the National Council, which supported the need for the Governments of Greece and Cyprus to take decisions jointly.

I assume the responsibility for this decision and I feel duty bound to underline that my only and exclusive guideline in taking this decision was the best interest of the Cyprus people and the broader interests of Hellenism. I accept that this decision constitutes a change from the previous decision concerning the deployment of the missiles in Cyprus. But I do not accept that today's decision was the result of giving in to pressure, threats and blackmail. It was simply the result of responsible assessment and realistic evaluation of all the existing conditions, factors and prospects, which affect directly or indirectly the course of our national issue.

Now, I do not criticize or renounce as wrong the decision taken at that time to buy and deploy the S-300 missiles in Cyprus. But I would not be a responsible leader, if I obstinately insisted today on the decision taken then, simply for reasons of misguided consistency and while being fully aware that its implementation would harm the substantial and permanent interests of Cyprus and Greece.

I respect views and positions opposing my decision. And I am well aware that some people will sharply criticize me for this decision. But I have never hesitated to take a decision that I believed it would serve the interests of our country, which I always place above personal or political considerations. I believe that the decision I have taken today is correct. And I am absolutely sure that our national cause and national interest would be served effectively with this decision.

I wish to stress in particular the fact that the Greek Government, at our meeting today, reaffirmed once again its commitment to strengthen even more the Joint Defence Doctrine and repeated its readiness to defend the interests of the Greek Cypriot people and the security of Cyprus in case of threat.

Cyprus is now waiting for the implementation of the Security Council resolutions and the fulfilment of international commitments undertaken at the highest level. By our decision today, we give the international factor the opportunity to open up the way for the demilitarisation of Cyprus and for a solution of the Cyprus problem and we expect to see the results within a reasonable time period.

Strengthened by the indisputable support of Greece, we shall continue with prudence and responsibility our efforts to join the European Union and to promote a peaceful, viable and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem which will safeguard the secure and hopeful future of our people and our country. I for my part, I shall not cease, as President of the Cyprus Republic, to work hard and expend all my powers in facing the critical hours coming and to serve the true interests of Cyprus."

[02] International reaction to the announcement

Simitis added that Turkey's firm target was to create tension. On the contrary, the Greek side's interest was to insist on legality and use all possibilities for a comprehensive, peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem.

Premier Simitis added in his written statement that the recent UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus and statements by world leaders that followed the adoption of those resolutions earlier this month, "may constitute an important development in efforts to reduce tension." He said the renewal of international interest in the Cyprus problem demonstrated this time not only through decisions but also through specific proposals for commitments by international factors "justifies solid hopes for a new combined effort to consolidate peace and lead to substantial discussions for a solution to the Cyprus problem."

Simitis pledged that the military cooperation between Greece and Cyprus would continue, in accordance with the joint defence doctrine, stressing that its continued upgrading "constitutes our clear and stable political decision."

The Greek Premier said the decision for the deployment of the S-300s in Crete, after necessary consultations with the Russian side, would take place within the joint defence pact and pledged that Greece would continue to guarantee the right of Cyprus to bolster its defences.

He also added that Athens would continue to promote Cyprus' entry into the European Union, a move which would safeguard the peaceful development and welfare of the whole of Cyprus.

Moreover, the United States welcomed the decision of President Clerides not to bring the S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Cyprus. A US State Department statement (29.12.98) says "we welcome and support President Clerides' decision not to bring the S-300 missiles to Cyprus. We commend the government of Cyprus for taking this important step for easing tensions on the island."

It also adds that "this action will give important new impetus to UN Secretary-General Annan's 30 September initiative to reduce tensions and promote a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus dispute." It recalls the UN Security Council resolution 1218 adopted on December 22, 1998, strongly endorsed the Secretary-General's initiative and urged him to intensify his efforts.

The State Department adds that "as President Clinton said in his December 22 statement, the US wholeheartedly supports this resolution and will take all necessary steps to support a sustained effort to implement it."

"We urge both sides in the Cyprus dispute to work closely with the Secretary-General to reduce tensions and to avoid any actions that might increase tensions on the Island," the State Department statement concludes.

Britain also welcomed the Cyprus government's decision not to deploy the missiles on the island. "This decision is a significant contribution to international efforts - in which Britain played a prominent part - to reduce tensions in the region", said British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook in a statement.

"It also helps create the conditions necessary for securing a just and lasting political settlement to the Cyprus problem".

Cook' s statement added that the British government remained committed to "supporting actively" efforts by the United Nations to find comprehensive political settlement for the island.

He said it was essential that the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and his representatives were given "the fullest possible cooperation from both sides".

The EU also heralded Clerides' decision on the missiles. Austrian Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schuessel, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, described the decision as "a great success for quiet diplomacy".

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

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