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Thursday, 25 April 2024
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USIA - Text: State Dept. `Regrets' Cyprus Missile Contract, 97-01-06United States Information Agency: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at <gopher://gopher.usia.gov>TEXT: STATE DEPT. `REGRETS' CYPRUS MISSILE CONTRACT(Cyprus contracts to purchase Russian missile system) (500)Washington -- State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said the United States "regrets" the Cyprus government's January 4 decision to sign a contract for purchase of the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missile system.Burns said U.S. officials believe this action "will complicate efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Cyprus." He added that the U.N. Security Council last month "warned that the importation of sophisticated weaponry threatens to raise tensions and complicate peace efforts." Lasting security and peace for the people of Cyprus "can only be achieved at the bargaining table, with all sides committed to finding a solution," Burns said. "The United States remains committed to pursuing efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem. Working with the international community, President Clinton is determined to move forward," Burns added. Following is the text of Burns' January 6 announcement. (Begin text)The government of Cyprus signed a contract January 4 to purchase the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missile system. The United States regrets this step, and we have made it clear to the government of Cyprus and others that we believe this will complicate efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Cyprus. The Cypriot decision introduces a new and destabilizing military element on the island and in the region, at the very time the international community is exploring ways to foster political cooperation to significantly advance a settlement. Cyprus is already one of the most militarized areas in the world. Turkey maintains a very large military force on the island and both sides are very heavily armed.Lasting security and peace for the people on the island can only be achieved at the bargaining table, with all sides committed to finding a solution. The past has shown that importing weapons has brought only arms increases from the other side. This new missile system is even more troubling as it threatens to take the arms buildup on Cyprus to a new qualitative level. The U.N. Security Council only last month warned that the importation of sophisticated weaponry threatens to raise tensions and complicate peace efforts. Regardless of when the system might be deployed, we believe the conclusion of this sales contract makes any mediation effort that much more difficult and harms the political atmosphere. The action of the government of Cyprus is a step down the wrong path. The United States remains committed to pursuing efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem. Working with the international community, President Clinton is determined to move forward. For these efforts to succeed, the parties and their partners in the region must also be prepared to make the tough choices needed to achieve peace. All bear responsibility to adopt concrete measure to decrease tensions -- such as reducing defense expenditures, ending provocative military exercises and improving safety along the cease- fire lines -- to advance a political solution. (End text)From the United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at gopher://gopher.usia.govUnited States Information Agency: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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