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Thursday, 21 November 2024
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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-01-29Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Tuesday, 29 January 2002CONTENTS[01] Statement by the President of the Republic, Mr Glafcos Clerides"Recently some publications have appeared in the press which are completely untrue, namely that after the US Ambassador had exercised pressure on the President, a decision was taken for the removal of specific weapons systems from Cyprus. I would like to state publicly and categorically that no Ambassador, including the US Ambassador, has ever suggested, recommended or raised the issue of transferring any weapons systems of the National Guard out of Cyprus. No decision has been or will be taken concerning the transfer of any National Guard weapons system from Cyprus. After the 'Nikiforos' exercises and parades, I have repeatedly told the public that there are weapons systems, which the National Guard does not demonstrate in exercises and parades for obvious reasons. During the meetings I had from time to time with the Minister of Defence Mr Hasikos and the Chief of National Guard Mr Florakis, aimed at informing me about the readiness of the National Guard, we discussed the way in which the training of the personnel operating these weapons systems would be continued. It was decided that since the existence of these systems should be kept secret, the National Guard personnel should go to Greece for further exercise and training, if Greece had the same weapons systems, and if it hadn't to the countries which have supplied them, following training agreements.Reports that the Minister of Defence has submitted his resignation due to a disagreement on this issue are fabrications and a falsification of the truth. During his absence abroad, the Minister of Defence had no communication with the President of the Republic. He was initially briefed by the Chief of the National Guard and then by the Under Secretary to the President Mr Kouros on the issue of stealing of weapons from a National Guard outpost. During his conversation with Mr Kouros, he expressed the thought of resigning in relation to the weapons' theft. Mr Kouros advised him to wait until his return to Cyprus. I officially state that I will not accept the resignation of the Minister of Defence because I consider that together with the Chief of the National Guard they have performed a great service and contributed to the substantial improvement of the National Guard. By reason of the above, I would like to express my displeasure at the fact that delicate issues which concern our defence have become public in the form of irresponsible rumours, in which, unfortunately, members of parliament are involved". [02] Sensitive military issues should not be made publicThe President of the Republic had a meeting yesterday with the President of the House of Representatives Mr Christofias, whom he briefed on the recent developments in the direct talks on the Cyprus problem.Replying to questions, after the meeting, on reports that the Americans exerted pressure regarding the issue of weapons systems, Mr Christofias stressed the need for cautiousness adding that the publication of sensitive military issues only damages the country. He reiterated the Government's position that no pressure was exercised for the removal of weapons systems from Cyprus. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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