Missiles to another island

The Greek Cypriots gave up to locate the S-300 missiles to Cyprus. Klerides will bargain for Crate with the Russians.

Taki BERBERAKIS - ATHENS / Akay CEMAL - NICOSIA

       After the meeting of Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and Glafkos Klerides, Greek Cypriot National Council decided not to locate the S-300 missiles to Cyprus. In the declaration given after the meeting, it has been stated that the S-300 missiles bought from Russia will not be located to Greek side of Cyprus.
       In the statement Mr. Klerides said hot discussions revealed in the council meeting and recorded that the missiles will not be located to Cyprus. Mr. Klerides stressed that he takes the responsibility of the decision. He said negotiations would start with Russia to locate the missiles to Crate.
       After Klerides' statement, Mr. Simitis gave a declaration last night and said "We support Klerides' decisions." Kostas Simitis also mentioned that he looks positive to the formula for the location of the missiles to Crete.
       The cancellation of the decision to locate the missiles to Cyprus caused a crisis in Greek Cypriot that would lead to the fall of the government. Greek press and the opponent parties harshly criticised the Greek Prime Minister.