Statement by the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mr. Rauf Denktaş (10 January 1997) Statement by the Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr.Tansu Çiller (10 January1997) Statement by the Spokesman of the US State Department (6 January 1997) Statement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (6 January 1997) Statement by The Spokesman of The British Foreign Office (9 January 1997 ) Statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, released through his Statement by the spokesman of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (10 January 1997)(in French)
  1. Foreign Policy
  2. Main Issues
  3. Cyprus
  4. Other Documents
  5. Greek Cypriot Attempts To Purchase Missiles From Russia And The Resulting Danger For The Peace And Stability In Cyprus
  6. Statement by The Spokesman of The British Foreign Office (9 January 1997 )
Statement by The Spokesman of The British Foreign Office (9 January 1997 )

Our Charge d'Affaires in Nicosia met Cypriot Foreign Minister Michaelides on 9 January to express to the Government of Cyprus our dismay at their decision to buy surface-to-air missile systems. We urged them to reconsider.

Our Ambassadors in Ankara and Athens have stressed to the Turkish and Greek Governments the need for a measured approach to this issue. We have called for restraint in public statements and for measures to reduce rather than increase tension. As the Foreign Secretary said during his visit to Cyprus in December 1996, the only sensible direction for arms and troop numbers on both sides is downwards.

In the context of the UN-led international effort to promote a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, the decision to buy this weapons system is not a welcome development. It points up the importance of progress towards such a settlement. Britain's determination to support to UN-led effort remains undiminished.