[04] Government reveals cost of missiles
Nicosia, Jan 15 (CNA) -- The Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles Cyprus will acquire will cost an estimated 200 million Cyprus pounds (one pound is about two US dollars), Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides disclosed here today.
Speaking to the press, Cassoulides said the decision for the arms deal was taken in full knowledge that, for technical reasons, the weapons would not be deployed in Cyprus for at least 16 months.
''We can devote the time between now and the deployment of the missiles to push forward a political settlement of the Cyprus question,'' Cassoulides said.
Replying to questions, the Spokesman said the purchase agreement does not include a clause on the possibility of non-delivery of the missiles, in case of sufficient progress towards a solution.
Asked what will happen if sufficient progress on a Cyprus settlement is achieved, a development that would not warrant the deployment of the missiles, Cassoulides said in such a case, Cyprus would have spent 200 million pounds.
A solution to the protracted Cyprus problem would be well worth this money, he added.
Cassoulides reiterated that President Glafcos Clerides had requested the Russian company to speed up the process of delivery but the manufacturing companies informed him delivery could not take place before 16 months had elapsed.
The S-300 anti-aircraft missile system will become operational after 16 months, he added.
CNA MM/MA/1997
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