Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-01-21
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
Thursday, 21 January 1999
CONTENTS
- [01] Greek Prime Minister expresses support for Cyprus
[01] Greek Prime Minister expresses support for Cyprus
The Greek Prime Minister Mr Simitis said yesterday that Greece's basic aim
is to promote Cyprus' accession to the European Union as this would act as
a catalyst to the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Replying to questions in the Greek parliament, Mr Simitis stressed that
Cyprus' EU entry negotiations were hindered by the S-300 missiles issue,
which had cast a shadow over the political issue in the eyes of world
public opinion.
He expressed support for President Clerides' proposal for a gradual
reduction of armaments on the island.
"The Cyprus problem continues to be the primary national issue for Greece
and a high priority in its foreign policy", he said.
He added that President Clerides' decision not to deploy the missiles in
Cyprus, which Greece supports, in no way weakens the joint defence doctrine
between the two countries or any obligations undertaken by Greece to defend
Cyprus.
"Any aggressive act against Cyprus on the part of Turkey constitutes a
casus belli for Greece", he concluded.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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