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19 September 1997

TEXT: U.S. CONCERNED AT TURKISH STATEMENTS ON CYPRUS MISSILES

(Asks all parties to resist making provocative statements) (190)
Washington -- The Department of State considers the Cypriot government
decision to acquire S-300 anti-aircraft missiles from Russia "a
setback for our efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue peacefully."
In a statement September 19, James Rubin, spokesman for the State
Department, said that "we are firmly opposed to threats to address the
missile question militarily," and asked "all interested parties to
avoid statements which exacerbate the tensions over this issue."
Following is the text of the statement:
(Begin text)
Turkish Statements on Cyprus Mi~ssiles
The U.S. continues to believe that the Cypriot government decision to
acquire S-300 anti-aircraft missiles from Russia is a setback for our
efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue peacefully. At the same time, we
are firmly opposed to threats to address the missile question
militarily. Therefore, we note with concern Turkish Prime Minister
Yilmaz's statements earlier today regarding the missiles. We call on
all interested parties to avoid statements which exacerbate the
tensions over this issue.
(End text)