[06] Russian ambassador calls reaction to S-300 ''hypocritical''
Nicosia, Jan 14 (CNA) -- Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Georgi Muratov described today the reaction of certain countries to the decision of the Cyprus Republic to purchase Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missiles as ''incomprehensible'' and ''hypocritical''.
Speaking after a meeting here with socialist EDEK party leader Vassos Lyssarides, Muratov said the acquisition by Cyprus of the S-300s does not change things, either in Cyprus or in the area since the anti-aircraft missiles in question are purely defensive weapons.
Muratov noted that ''if those countries which react (to the purchase) are consistent, then they should impose an arms embargo not only on Cyprus but also on Turkey, Greece and on the whole of the region.''
The Russian diplomat did not name those countries. But he was apparently referring to the United States, Britain and other western countries which came publicly against the decision of the Cyprus Republic to acquire the Russian surface-to-air missiles.
However, Muratov reaffirmed that his country will cooperate with the US and other UN Security Council permanent members towards a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.
He announced that Russian Foreign Ministry officials will visit Cyprus within the next couple of months.
Meanwhile, Cyprus Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides welcomed the Russian keen interest in efforts to settle the Cyprus problem.
The Cypriot official was commenting on Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov's written reply to President Glafcos Clerides' message.
The reply was conveyed to President Clerides yesterday by the island's opposition leftwing AKEL party General Secretary Demetris Christofias.
EDEK leader Vassos Lyssarides stressed the need for strengthening further relations between Cyprus and Russia in all fields.
CNA MCH/GP/1997
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