*97013101
THE CYPRUS KNOT
(Foreign Media Reaction Daily Digest)
The recent outbreak of tension between Athens and Ankara triggered by Nicosia's announcement of a contract to purchase Russian S-300 missiles evoked considerable comment by observers abroad that the situation remains dangerous and requires close attention. European commentators worried about "brinkmanship" in the Mediterranean and "how little two NATO partners have learned to overcome differences" in an "explosive situation." London's centrist Independent said, "The risks of...war will rise, and the scope for pre-emptive diplomacy will shrink, unless the U.S. and Europe make the gathering Greek-Turkish crisis their top priority." Berlin's right-of-center Die Welt wrote, "The controversy...is developing into dimensions that can no longer be tolerated by international politics."
Greek Cypriot commentators declared that U.S. envoy Carey Cavanaugh's visit to Cyprus had led to a "clear de- escalation of tension," but asked, "how it is possible for Washington not to see the Turkish aggressiveness that has its eyes on Greek territories?" In Greece, pro-government Eleftheros Typos spoke of the "impudence" of Mr. Cavanaugh for allegedly saying "the S-300 missiles will never be employed in Cyprus," while arch-conservative Estia wrote, "Ultimately, the Americans have been able to impose...their will on Athens." In Turkey, pro-democracy centrist Yuni Yuzyil wrote, "It does not seem likely that the crisis will end while our Greek Cypriot and Greek friends do not accept the existence of two communities on the island." After Turkish Cypriot President Denktash and Turkey's President Demirel signed a joint declaration Jan. 20 that any attack on Turkish Cypriots will be considered an attack on Turkey, Istanbul's pro-Islamic Zaman wrote, "Although it came late...this is a very positive document and also clarifies Turkish policy on Cyprus to the international arena."
Opposition Azadliq of Baku commented, "By urging the
Cypriots to postpone buying the Russian weapons, the U.S.
has prevented Russia's unwelcome economic and political
influence in the region," adding, "The U.S. shows that it
has the keys to the problem's settlement and can manipulate
the developments at will." Several commentators in Russia
remarked that "the United States is waging an undeclared
war against Russian arms manufacturers," and that "our
politicians would be wise to learn from competitors how to
fight for markets. Then, perhaps, there would be less
brouhaha over our successes in arms sales." Moscow's
reformist Rossiyskiye Vesti wrote, "The intention of a NATO
member to use force to thwart a commercial deal between
sovereign countries vividly illustrates how the West will
treat Russia once it is placed in quarantine." Also from
an arms sales perspective, a Chinese commentator in the
official People's Daily wrote, "Contention between the U.S.
and Russia for strategic interests in this region and their
fierce rivalry in the world's arms markets are the root
causes for the current escalation of the dispute." In
Pakistan, the radical, pro-Iran Muslim took a different
approach and portrayed the U.S. turning its back on its
NATO ally, Turkey, because "Erbakan's emergence as a
defiant moderate Muslim revolutionary model is hardly what
the U.S., still licking its wounds from a revolutionary
Islamic Iran, would like to see."
This survey is based on 36 reports from 13 countries,
January 8-30.
Editor: Bill Richey
EUROPE
CYPRUS: "Cavanaugh Visit Satisfactory"
Independent, right-wing Nicosia O Agon said (1/15): "Despite the Turkish side's effort to maintain the artificial atmosphere of crisis, which was unjustifiably created because of the missile issue, there is now a clear de-escalation of tension.... The United States, which encouraged the creation of a crisis by Turkey with its initial condemnation of the missile purchase, rectified things to a great extent by recognizing Cyprus's right for self defense and with the declaration that no military action by Turkey against Cyprus would be acceptable. The developments following the talks by U.S. official Carey Cavanaugh in Nicosia can be considered as satisfactory, since things are now proceeding in the right direction.... From what has been said up to now, there is nothing to justify the fear that Cyprus is committing essential withdrawals or concessions. Concerning the missiles, the statement that not even a spare part for them will be imported during the next 16 months, a statement that was considered as positive and satisfactory by the U.S. side, does not alter the decision on their acquisition, if peace efforts are not successful by that time. In any case, the contracts provide for a delivery of the first missiles after 16 months, not earlier."
"No Derailing Of Cyprus Solution"
Independent, right-wing Nicosia O Agon in its "opinion" column commented (1/14): "Coming to Cyprus to begin his circle of contacts in the area following the 'missile crisis,' U.S. envoy Carey Cavanaugh asked the question why the decision to purchase them had to be made at this specific moment. Beyond the indirect criticism that the decision might aim at undermining the initiatives for a solution, the question voiced by the U.S. official is also another way of expressing concern in case the missiles' presence makes Cyprus's military behavior unexpected.... We believe that Cavanaugh must leave Cyprus with his question answered, since he will have received satisfactory answers, mainly in view of the fact that he had no difficulty in admitting that Cyprus has the right to acquire the means needed for its defense. We could, however, juxtapose many of our own questions to his question. We could ask how it is possible for Washington not to see the Turkish aggressiveness that has its eyes on the Greek territories? Why is it not disturbed by the occupation of 22 years and why does it accept that weapons given for NATO's needs are being used to reinforce the occupation force?"
"U.S. Statement Cause For Relief, But..."
Right-wing, pro-Democratic Rally Party, Greek-language Alithia (1/11) said in an editorial, "The statement by State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns is cause for relief. He warned Turkey that it cannot threaten the use of military force in Cyprus.... However, we cannot consider as satisfactory this warning statement if the United States does not proceed beyond the verbal condemnation into a practical ban and dissuasion. This is so because the statements addressed by the United States earlier and the reaction by other European countries against the defense armaments of Cyprus create the obligation for neutralizing the causes and injustices that compelled us to implement the legal right of essential and balancing defense armaments. The United States has described as unacceptable not only the threats of new strikes against Cyprus, but also the conditions being created by the current (divisionist and occupational) status quo."
GREECE: " No Progress On Provocations"
Pro-government Ta Nea wrote (1/15): "Mr. Cavanaugh posed the issue of overflights to the government. We wondered what a mere suspension of flights can do when no progress is made in Cyprus and Turks continue their provocations. No response was given to that. Perhaps the response may come from Ankara where the American emissary is today."
"Rumpus In Lisbon"
Chief editor Serafim Kotrotsos of pro-government Exoussia commented (1/15): "The rumpus in Lisbon, when both the Greek and the Cypriot sides shifted their stances toward Mr. Cavanaugh, has not taught anyone a lesson. What has changed since the Lisbon meeting that made Mr. Simitis accept what he turned down then? Has Mr. Simitis obtained the agreeable opinion of Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and all those who disagree with the moratorium of overflights?"
"Impudent Manner"
Pro-government Eleftheros Typos reported (1/15): "The hilarious Athens/Nicosia retreat regarding the issues of the missiles and the moratorium of overflights in Cyprus was sealed with a warm handshake and a brief Cavanaugh- Pangalos discussion, contrary to government assurances that such a meeting would not be held. All these made the American diplomat state to Associated Press in a most impudent manner that, according to his assessment, the S- 300 missiles will never be deployed in Cyprus.'"
"Odd Rationale"
Independent Adesmeftos Typos said (1/15): "Director for Southern Europe Cavanaugh demanded the government to demonstrate a realistic and productive stance, basing his demand on the very odd rationale that Athens and Nicosia have a patron-client relationship! Cavanaugh's tactics have made Athens the center for substantive decisions, but one sees a difference of views expressed among Greek officials."
"Either Humiliation Or War"
Arch-conservative Estia stated (1/15): "Ultimately, the Americans have been able to impose, as anticipated, their will on Athens, conveyed here on their behalf by Mr. Cavanaugh.... Developments are leading us either to humiliation or war.... The Babylonian understanding among the government is due to its anguished effort to cover the fact that it has bowed to the orders of the United States. That is the truth and anything else said is either a lie or a distraction."
"U.S., Russia Reactions Justify Cyprus View On Defense"
In the view of center-left, pro-Pasok Elevtherotipia (1/10), "Last night's reactions, by Washington, with the statement of warning to Ankara from U.S. State Department spokesman Burns, telling it to stop 'threatening to use military violence against Cyprus,' and by Moscow, with the firm statement by its ambassador in Nicosia, saying 'his country will not remain indifferent,' create a new picture. These reactions justify Cyprus's view that it has the right to care about its defense, which is being threatened by Attila (Turkish forces in Cyprus) with continuous provocation.... Does Burns's statement mean a radical change in stance, the realization of the Turkish threat, or is it just a circumstantial reaction aimed at something else? Amid talk of a U.S. initiative on Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, Washington cannot put aside the Turkish provocation and aggression. It cannot ignore that Ankara acts like a terrorist and a scoundrel in the area."
TURKEY: "A New Cyprus Policy"
Prof Erol Manisali in pro-Islamic Zaman observed (1/24): " The January 20, 1997 declaration is a document which prevents the corrosion which has been developing against Turkey, and Turkey projects a new political and military structure.... Although it came late and may have some deficiencies, this is a very positive document and also clarifies Turkish policy on Cyprus to the international arena.... It is very important that this document be implemented with appropriate policies. With the January 20 document, Turkey has adopted a new Cyprus policy. Unless the Ankara government meets the requirements of this policy, Cyprus will experience the fate of Crete in 15 or 20 years. Let's be aware of this."
"The Crisis Is Continuing"
Mensur Akgun in pro-democracy, centrist Yeni Yuzyil wrote (1/21): "The S-300 crisis that the American diplomat said was over is escalating slowly. It does not seem likely that the crisis will end while our Greek Cypriot and Greek friends do not accept the existence of two communities on the island, refuse to see that the problem goes further back than 1974, and attempt to change the status quo with missiles and military methods, and base their calculation on Turkey's internal instability. Every step to be taken by them to push Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC] into a corner will escalate the crisis, and will push the solution of the problem farther from the type of solution they want. It seems that Nicosia and Athens have been carried away with the attraction of solving the problem through a crisis, which is one of the most popular methods in international politics."
"Russian Missiles In Cyprus"
An editorial on liberal Cumhuriyet's front page charged (1/9), "The Greek Cypriot side has been heedlessy buying arms. It has recently concluded an agreement to buy missiles from Russia, missiles that can hit Turkey. It is common knowledge that 'Cyprus is Turkey's soft belly.' So Ankara has had to adopt a decision against the negative development, which will pose a threat to Anatolia.... Obviously there is an international aspect to the crisis in the southern Mediterranean. Has Russia decided to supply missiles to south Cyprus as a reaction to Turkey's support for the Chechen people?"
RUSSIA: "Moscow Must Learn From Rivals"
Reformist Rossiyskiye Vesti of the presidential administration stated (1/30): "Nobody will tell Russia with whom or in what to trade. But our politicians would be wise to learn from competitors how to fight for markets. Then, perhaps, there would be less brouhaha over our successes in arms sales. The tone of Turkish statements regarding the proposed Russia-Cyprus arms contract is quite indicative of the way certain NATO capitals are feeling now that the bloc is about to move eastward. They cannot wait to see the day when they can forget about the eastern giant altogether. The intention of a NATO member to use force to thwart a commercial deal between sovereign countries vividly illustrates how the West will treat Russia once it is placed in a quarantine. Turkey is just running a bit ahead of time."
"Russia Tells Turkey To Behave Itself"
Defense writer Pavel Felgengauer of reformist Segodnya wrote (1/17): "The Kremlin claims that the decision to sell missiles to Cyprus was taken after a 'serious evaluation of all the consequences.' Besides, Moscow has been 'alerted' by Turkey's military 'moves' for some time so that it thought it should remind Turkey of the need to behave itself. The president's aides do not regard the former arms contracts with Turkey as 'large-scale' contracts. So, a severance of military-technical links would not cause 'significant damage' to the Russian export potential. Turkey's purchases of Russian arms have mainly been an offset of the former Russian debt, and such deals are not very lucrative for arms traders. Not so the 'commercial' deal with Cyprus. Our correspondent was told at the Kremlin that 'the government will soon issue a decree on state guarantees of the Cyprus deal and one of the 10 authorized banks of the state-owned company Rosvooruzheniye will open a credit line to the manufacturers of the air-defense complex S-300. If the interest rates in Russia continue to fall next year this long-term guaranteed credit will be highly profitable."
"Ankara Buys Missiles"
Alexander Reutov wrote in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (1/10): "No doubt about it, the situation in this region is very tense. A role here was played also by Russia, which has already delivered to Cyprus several dozen T-80U tanks and BMP-3 infantry combat vehicles which, as it is believed by the Cyprus leadership, are called upon to deter the 30,000-strong Turkish expeditionary corps in the northern part of the island. Yet it is hard to believe that matters really will reach the state of military confrontation. The elder brothers in NATO will hardly allow a clash between two members of the Alliance--Greece and Turkey. Last year Athens and Ankara already were on the brink of a military conflict over a small island that is claimed by both countries. At the time fists were waved in both capitals and preparations for war were made, but a clash was avoided largely due to the pressure put by the other NATO countries."
"The Cyprus Knot"
Mikhail Pogorely said in centrist army Krasnaya Zvezda (1/9): "The beginning of the year was marked by a major scandal that erupted in the diplomatic circles of several countries at once. The participants were Cyprus, Russia, the United States, Britain, Turkey, Greece, and several other states. The pretext for this loud outcry was a seemingly routine deal concluded on January 4 between the Russian company Rosvooruzheniye and the government of Cyprus on the delivery to the latter of a consignment of S- 300PMU-1 air defense systems.... Of course, the actions of the United States, Turkey and other Western countries that are Russia's competitors, evoke an understandable and legitimate critical reaction on the part of Russian government and socio-political structures. On the other hand, one must admit that we should learn from our rivals how to come to the defense of national manufacturers and traders in arms.... Russia has no lesser rights than America, Britain and other arms manufacturers to maintain a vigorous presence on the armaments markets."
"U.S. Ready To Help Russia Out Of Armor"
Official government Rossiyskaya Gazeta (1/15) published this comment by Vsevolod Ovchinnikov: "In hailing democratic and market economy reforms in Russia, Americans actively help her along this road mostly when it comes to dismantling her military potential. They, however, bitterly resist Russia trying to gain access to world markets, happy to see her research and technological potential getting rusty and the country itself becoming a 'banana republic without bananas.'"
"Moscow Not In Panic Over U.S. Arms Supplies To Israel"
Vyacheslav Zalomov of neo-communist Pravda (1/11) said of Russian arms sales to Nicosia: "Talking of Washington's inadequate reaction to the sale of S-300s to Nicosia, (Russian military experts) say it resents Moscow remaining and gaining more ground in the arms market. Moscow does not fly into a panic over the United States making money on arms sales to, say, Saudi Arabia, Israel or Latin American countries. Having lost markets in Eastern and Central Europe, Russia is in search of new ones, so why should she look over her shoulder?"
"Arms Manufacturers Elbowed Out Not Only From Cyprus"
Alexander Sychev wrote in reformist Izvestia (1/10): "The action taken by Washington over Cyprus shows once again that the United States is waging an undeclared trade war against Russian arms manufacturers.... It should be recalled that at the end of last year political pressure was put on South Korea which, to reduce our debt to her, acquired from Russia large consignments of modern armaments.... In Brazil staff members of the American Embassy were reportedly engaged in brazenly discrediting Russian-Brazilian projects in the military and space areas.... In Colombia our Mi-17 helicopters came up against American barriers.... Our military-industrial complex is regarded by the United States as a dangerous rival against whom it is necessary to take action without any scruples about the means used."
GERMANY: "Dangerous Spiral"
Ruediger Moniac in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin commented (1/24): "The political controversy between the Turks and the Greeks about Cyprus is developing into dimensions that can no longer be tolerated by international politics. The very presumptuous manner with which Turkey's chief of staff--of course with the backing of Premier Erbakan--threatened to deploy warships off the Greek- Cypriot coast only demonstrates how little the two NATO partners have learned in terms of overcoming differences of opinion in a civilized manner. We must wonder who of the two squabblers will give up this increasingly quickly turning spiral of threat and counter threat and returns to reasonable diplomatic behavior. Or, why does a publicly visible crisis management of especially influential NATO partners not start to calm the situation on Cyprus?"
"Ankara's Ships"
Wolfgang Guenter of right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine observed (1/22): "There are some indications that the Cypriot government under Premier Klerides overreacted with its tactic to bring back to the attention the conflict on the island.... The plan to deploy Russian air defense missiles created a stir in Ankara and tightened the bonds between Turkey and the Turkish leader on the island, Rauf Denktash. It is true that Cyprus is in the papers again, but the fronts have obviously hardened.... Now Turkey even wants to send warships to protect Denktash's mini- state.... Thus one provocation is following the next. For the Erbakan-Ciller government, the crisis offers a welcome opportunity to distract attention from its own difficulties. Corruption and economic crises will be pushed to the background if one can present oneself as the defender of one's own fair case with nationalist slogans."
"Smoldering Conflict"
Evangelos Antonaros in a front-page editorial in right-of- center Die Welt of Berlin stated (1/14): "In less than 48 hours, State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns saw himself forced to make undiplomatic statements. He described Ankara's threat to use force to prevent the deployment of Russian air defense missiles as 'inconsiderate' and 'totally unwise.' Turkey, however, 'feels disturbed' at Washington's harsh reaction, since the United States also criticized the Cypriot arms plans. However, the reaction of the Ankara government shook up the Western partners of the two hostile neighbors, Turkey and Greece. It may be that the militarily inferior Greeks on the island did not choose the most appropriate time to strengthen their feeling of security, since the Washington government wanted to launch a peace initiative for the island in the coming weeks. But, on the other hand, Ankara's massive reaction to a purely defensive arms system nurtures Greek suspicions that Turkey is planning something detrimental. After a meeting with President Klerides on the island, U.S. special envoy Cavanaugh jumped to the conclusion that the crisis has been 'de-escalated.' It would be thoughtless to consider the latest episode a closed case. It only hides the potential for a true armed conflict between NATO partners."
"All Indications Point To A War"
Wolfgang Koydl in an editorial in centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (1/10) commented: "Currently all signs indicate a war on Cyprus. Turkey reacted in a martial manner to Nicosia's announcement that it was buying a highly advanced Russian air defense system.... The Greeks on the island are familiar with such tones from Ankara. However, what made them think was massive criticism from the United States. Since then, people in Nicosia are suggesting that the island does not want to modernize its arms, but just wants to draw attention to the Cyprus problem. This is a bad excuse.... Those who, under these circumstances, try to draw attention to their own problems with arms purchases, are jeopardizing the chances for a peaceful solution to the conflict."
BRITAIN: "Europe's Coming War Over Cyprus"
European Editor Tony Barber in Centrist Independent opined (1/23): "Like Cuba, another island involved in a missile dispute 36 years before, Cyprus could bring the world to nuclear confrontation. The world's most densely militarized confrontation zone may be about to explode.... Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, may meet in the spring to launch fresh peace talks. But even if such talks get under way--a big if--there is little reason to suppose they will be crowned with success. The diplomatic climate is too frosty, and both sides have it deeply entrenched that to blink first will be to lose.... In short, virtually all the ingredients for a bloody confrontation on Cyprus, sucking in Greece and Turkey, are present. All outsiders, from the United States to the EU to the United Nations, recognize the dangers. Indeed, many see Greece and Turkey, whose mutual antagonism long predates their alliance in NATO, as the most likely contestants in Europe's next war.... The risks of such a war will rise, and the scope for pre-emptive diplomacy will shrink, unless the United States and Europe make the gathering Greek-Turkish crisis their top priority."
"Turkish Anger Grows At Russia Missile Deal"
The centrist Independent reported (1/15): "Russia should back out of its deal to sell advanced SAMs to the Greek republic of Cyprus in order to avoid inflaming the eastern Mediterranean, and the United Nations should impose an immediate Bosnian-style embargo on all further weapon supplies to the island, Turkey's ambassador to Britain told this newspaper yesterday. He repeated earlier Turkish threats that if the missiles were installed the Turks would destroy them. Senior British government sources expressed grave concern about the situation that could lead to more than a war of words between Greece and Turkey.... The dispute is but one part of a bigger picture that shows a seemingly inexorable deterioration in relations between NATO allies Greece and Turkey."
"Cyprus's Unhappy New Year"
The conservative Daily Telegraph wrote (1/14): "The role of mediator has been taken up by the United States in the person of Carey Cavanaugh of the State Department. Yesterday he secured from Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides an assurance that the (SAM) missiles would not be deployed in the next 16 months, which would cover the period set by the outside world for a solution to the Cyprus problem. Mr. Cavanaugh was anxious to present this assurance as a concession which would defuse the current crisis. In fact, it will do little to reduce tension between the two communities. Rather than canceling the missile order, the Cypriot government is using it to point a gun at the head of those who would act as peacebrokers. Unless you persuade the Turks to come to an acceptable agreement over the next 16 months, we will deploy the missiles and to hell with the consequences is, in effect, what it is saying. That attitude is both petulant and foolish.... The belligerence of both Greeks and Turks casts serious doubt on their willingness to find an answer to a chronic source of instability in the eastern Mediterranean."
"Irresponsible Brinkmanship"
An editorial in the conservative Times held (1/13): "Turkey's threats to carry out a pre-emptive military strike on any air defense system installed on Cyprus shows how dangerously the situation in the eastern Mediterranean has deteriorated. Once a dependable NATO ally, Turkey appears now to be drifting out of control. Tempers are rising in Cyprus, together with irresponsible brinkmanship. Athens and Ankara, relations at an all-time low, are accusing each other of preparing for war. And the Pentagon admits that its relationship with Turkey is breaking down. Blame for the latest crisis lies unambiguously with the Cyprus government.... Equally important, however, is the breakdown in Turkish relations with Europe and America. Since the election of Mr. Erbakan, Washington has had little dialogue with a man who appears, by his visits to Iran and Libya, intent on snubbing the Americans.... Neither its European nor American partners have formulated a coherent strategy to rekindle their links to Ankara."
"Playing With Fire"
The independent Financial Times editorialized (1/8): "In ordering ground-to-air missiles from Russia, the Cyprus government is playing with fire in a region too well stocked with flammable material.... That is a thoroughly irresponsible strategy because it involves taking a terrible risk for a very uncertain gain. Already the Turkish foreign ministry is using language which implies willingness to use force to prevent the new missiles being deployed.... What is President Clerides up to? The most plausible answer is that he has engaged in a policy of deliberate brinkmanship, hoping to frighten the international community (meaning mainly the United States and the European Union) into putting more effective pressure on Turkey to expedite a political settlement. It is worse than foolish of Mr. Clerides to have brought about a situation in which dissuading Turkey from military action, rather than seeking a solution to the underlying conflict, becomes the main task of international diplomacy."
AZERBAIJAN: "Nobody Wants To Make A Compromise?"
"Nurani" (Tofiqa Qasimova) said in independent Ayna/Zerkalo (1/25): "One recalls that Greece's Prime Minister Simitis and Foreign Minister Pangalos refused to talk with another American mediator--Holbrooke. This makes one wonder seriously to what degree Greece is an ally of the United States. Though Greece entered NATO, it did not cease to be the 'successor of the Byzantine Empire' and did not change its ethno-denominational nature which leads it to orient itself toward Russia. The recent hints that the presence on the island of the Russian anti-aircraft and rocket complex 'creates a new dynamic in the settlement of the Cyprus problem' deserves special attention. The island's Turkish community has no international guarantees for its security. It can only rely on its own army and the Turkish contingent stationed in the North. One can rest assured: Had it not been for the Turkish troops on the island, the Cyprus problem would long ago have been solved according to the famous principle 'No people--no problem.' It looks as if the two sides of the island are ready to hold out until the end. Some rely on protection by powerful allies, others on their own army. But in any case the possibility of the resumption of hostilities in Cyprus is very high."
"The Winner Is The U.S. Again"
Eldar Ismayilzade in opposition Azadliq said (1/16): "As we can see, the winner in this situation is the United States. Once again Americans proved that they are the only ones who possess the real superpower in the region. On the one hand, by urging the Cypriots to postpone buying the Russian weapons, the United States has prevented Russia's unwelcome economic and political influence in the region. On the other hand, by preventing Turkey from taking any radical steps, the United States shows that it has the keys to the problem's settlement and that it can manipulate the developments at will."
BELGIUM: "Thanks For His Good Offices"
Marc Opsomer in conservative, catholic La Libre Belgique observed (1/23): "While Mr. Carey Cavanaugh, in charge of Southern Europe at the State Department, must be thanked for his good offices, there is no indication that his recent trip to Cyprus (North and South), to Turkey and to Greece has allowed, as he says, a solution to the serious crisis triggered on January 4 by the announcement by the Cyprus government of a contract for the purchase of Russian S-300 missiles. Nicosia was able to allay suspicion for a short while by pointing out that the missiles would not be deployed in the island for six months, but optimism no longer prevails: the reason that the missiles will not arrive earlier is that the Russians are not able to provide them before that time. Turkey is angry and, day after day, is multiplying its threats.... To further complicate an already very complex issue, political-diplomatic prospects in the medium and in the long term are also very bad."
NORWAY: "Rockets And Rhetoric On Cyprus"
Conservative Aftenposten suggested (1/15): "In the last few days, the rocket conflict on Cyprus has once again shown how far apart Athens and Ankara are politically.... Neither in September, nor in the last few days have the purchases of arms triggered panic among the civilian population on Cyprus. On both sides of the division line, people worry more about how the negative publicity will affect tourism, and thereby the economy, than an armed conflict. The people trust the Western powers to prevent war between two NATO allies."
SPAIN: "Cyprus: To Get There In Time"
Former diplomat Emilio Menendez del Valle wrote in liberal El Pais (1/13): "Athens claims that it has a defense commitment with the Cyprus Republic and warns that any Turkish military action would lead to a war between the two NATO allies (Greece and Turkey). It is an explosive situation.... The missiles in question would be installed within sixteen months. The so much talked about international community must, in this length of time, de- activate another crisis which potentially could turn into a war, an ethnic cleansing or an indiscriminate massacre."
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC
CHINA: "Dispute Heats Up"
Wu Wenbin in official Communist party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao) wrote (1/28): "Over the past 20 years, Cyprus has been separated into north and south.... It has been a quiet 'hot spot'. But intervention by regional powers, contention The between the United States and Russia for strategic interests in this region and their fierce rivalry in the world's arms markets are the root causes for the current escalation of the dispute."
SOUTH ASIA
PAKISTAN: "Ugly Face Of America"
The radical, pro-Iran Muslim commented (1/15): "In a quick reaction to the deployment of Russian missiles in south Cyprus, the American administration warned Turkey instead of warning Russia and south Cyprus about the escalation of tension in this unfortunate island which is living in a state of instability for the last 24 years.... The U.S. warning to Turkey is mind-boggling indeed. Firstly, the United States should have warned the Russian Federation which acted irresponsibly by selling ultra-modern weapons to a crisis region. Seemingly, the Russians are annoyed with the new resolve of the United States regarding the eastward expansion of NATO and have sought to communicate a lesson to the newly-appointed U.S. secretary of state, Madeleine Albright.... The Russians appear to have done their homework by striking where it hurts. Evidently their objective is to maintain the Russian influence in east Europe while the United States and Albright are planning to make sure not to create dividing lines in Europe.... By all accords the United States turning its back on a NATO ally, instead of neutrality in an inter NATO divide, is to tell Erbakan, where the buck stops. Erbakan's emergence as a defiant moderate Muslim model, is hardly what the United States, still licking its wound from a revolutionary Islamic Iran, would like to see."
LATIN AMERICA
ARGENTINA: "Turkey, As Usual"
Pro-government La Prensa commented (1/23): "With the exceptions of Georgia and Iraq and, to a certain degree, Iran, the ties of the Turkish government to neighboring countries are marked by animosity that has its roots in infamous historical events--that Ankara is extending on many occasions to the present days with its aggressive policies--and to the arrogance and double play of its foreign policy. What is occurring in Cyprus is only an example. Turkey reserves for itself the right to usurp, but it is unable to admit the right of a nation such as Cyprus, which it has repeatedly attacked, to defend itself. The unchanged Turkish foreign policy confirms that...there is nothing to fear from...Erbakan's Islamic government. That is, fears have not been confirmed in the sense that Muslim fundamentalism may alter the supposed 'Western and secular' trends of the country that has been called the 'only democracy of the Islamic world.' This government, as the previous ones, is neither better nor worse. This may be bad. It is the same. The time has come for Turkey to reconcile with its neighbors and with its own history."
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1/31/97
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