Governement Spokesman: Despite Turkish threats, Cyprus will, continue to strenghten its defences, 96-10-10

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

KASSOULIDES: DESPITE TURKISH THREATS, CYPRUS WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN ITS DEFENCES (10/10/1996)

The Turkish side, unashamedly, is threatening in its usual manner the Cyprus Republic and Greece. And this happens when Turkey herself, violating International Law, has committed the crime of in- vasion and the continuing occupation of Cyprus and maintains some 35.000 troops and 400 tanks on the island. At the same time Turkish warships are in the occupied Famagusta port and the Turkish Air Force is repeatedly violating Cyprus airspace. The occupied northern part of Cyprus has been described by the United Nations Secretary-General in a report to the Security Council as "one of the most highly militarised areas of the world". Moreover, under the protection of the occupation army, the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" was unilaterally declared an in- dependent state, contrary to the guarantees signed by Turkey, which is the only state which recognizes the pseudo-state.

President Glafcos Clerides has proposed the immediate and complete demilitarization of Cyprus and the strengthening of the U.N. Peace-Keeping Force, and pledged that the Cyprus Republic will cover all its costs. The Turkish side has repeatedly rejected this proposal and refused to discuss the matter.

Therefore, the Cyprus Republic has no alternative but to continue to strengthen its defence capability, exclusively as a deterrent against any possible attempt by the occupation forces to advance to the free areas of Cyprus. It will also continue its close cooperation with Greece in the field of defence, since Greece is one of the guarantors of Cyprus' territorial integrity and independence.

The firm goal of the Government and all the political parties in Cyprus is a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem, which will be greatly facilitated if the Turkish side accepts the demilitarization proposal.

However, as long as the Turkish occupation troops continue to be stationed in Cyprus, the effort to strengthen the island's defences in cooperation with Greece will continue, irrespective of the Turkish threats.

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