|
GREEK
CYPRIOT DEFENCE MINISTER MAVRONIKOLAS: “WITHDRAWAL OF U.S.A. WEAPONS FROM
THE ISLAND IS OUT OF QUESTION” (21.07.03)
In
an interview with Greek daily “To Vima”, the Greek Cypriot Defence
Minister, Kiriakos Mavronikolas, stated that at present stage, the withdrawal
of U.S.A. made weapons from the island is not possible.
Mavronikolas
pointed out that America has been exerting pressure over Greece and South
Cyprus for a long time. “American Ambassadors in Athens and Nicosia had
requests on this issue. However, this is not something new. We believe that
with the help of Greece, we will find a solution to this issue” Mavronikolas
said.
Pointing
out that at this stage, any kind of “loosing” in the defence system of the
Greek Cypriot administration is out of question, Mavronikolas alleged that the
acceptance of the full EU membership of the Greek Cypriot administration in
May 2004, before reaching a settlement on the island could lead to
“extremely dangerous” developments in the region.
Mavronikolas
said: “Greece and Cyprus (Greek Cypriot side) with the support of the
National Guard, should continue for strengthening their defence.”
| 
