Cyprus repeats demilitarisation plan amid rising tension

CYPRUS has reiterated its proposal for demilitarisation of the island in a letter to UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan, Government spokesman Christos Stylianides said yesterday.

Speaking at his regular press briefing, Stylianides said President Glafcos Clerides had sent the letter to Annan on Thursday, adding that it included “concrete proposals” about the island’s demilitarisation, as well as a “timetable” for its implementation.

He gave no details of the government’s suggestions, but said: “we have proved through these specific proposals that we are in favour of the reduction of tension.”

The announcement came as tension escalated after Turkey sent six warplanes to the island in retaliation for the earlier visit of Greek warplanes to the government-controlled areas.

Stylianides also defended the Greek planes’ visit, saying this was “perfectly legal within the framework of the joint defence pact that Cyprus has with Greece.”

He dismissed the likelihood of a military clash over Cyprus.

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