CNS Resources on the Missile Crisis over Cyprus

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Cyprus, the S-300PMU-1 Missile System, and Regional Security:

An Annotated Chronology, 1998[1]

1998

January

1/13 Rosvoorouzhenie representatives say that delivery of the S-300PMU-1 batteries will occur as scheduled.

1/17 Citing assurances from the United States that Cyprus would not actually deploy the S-300PMU-1 system, Turkish government officials say that the S-300PMU-1 missiles should not be attacked. However, Turkish military officials reportedly dispute this view.

February

2/4 Janes Defence Weekly reports the opening of the Paphos airbase on Cyprus for use by the Greek air force under the Cyprus-Greece joint defense doctrine. Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas threatens to "break the wings" of any Greek aircraft that use the base. The base is expected to be fully operational in 1999. Turkey threatens to build two naval bases on the island and to upgrade the Gecitkale airbase in northern Cyprus to military standards.

March

3/11 A 1996 contract for Cyprus purchase of 40 T-80U main battle tanks from Russia for $120 million is disclosed, but the delivery date for the tanks is not revealed. Cyprus previously purchased 41 of the tanks, as well as 43 BMP-3 armored infantry combat vehicles, from Russia.

3/26 The US State Department rejects Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos proposal for establishing a US-enforced no-fly zone for Turkish aircraft over Cyprus, in exchange for halting delivery of the S-300PMU-1 system.

3/27 Italian Ambassador to Cyprus Francesco Bascone announces that Italy will suspend further deliveries of its short-range Aspide theater-defense missiles to Cyprus. The Aspide is a ground-and ship-launched missile weighing 220kg with a range of 15km. It carries a 30kg high-explosive, fragmentation warhead intended for use against aircraft and sea-skimming and diving missiles. Italys decision is believed to be the result of pressure from the United States.

3/29 The Cypriot government denies press reports that Greece is considering accepting the S-300PMU-1 batteries purchased by Cyprus. Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsokhatzopoulos says that the Cypriot government has exclusive authority to decide the destination of the S-300PMU-1.

April

4/1 The European Union (EU) opens accession talks with Cyprus in Brussels. Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) announce the formation of an economic union in response, and declare that the TRNC may merge completely with Turkey in response to the dispute over Cyprus entry into the EU.

4/5 The Greek newspaper To Vima Tis Kiriakis reports that the United States is re-examining Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos proposal for a no-fly zone for Turkish military aircraft over Cyprus, in exchange for halting delivery of the S-300PMU-1 to the island.

4/7 Greek military chief Athanasios Tzoganis and Turkish military chief Ismail Hakky Karadayi hold talks in Cyprus prior to a meeting of the Western European Union. Tzoganis says the two leaders will "exploit all such opportunities to meet." Karadayi describes the talks as "positive."

4/10 Middle East International reports that during his 3/98 visit to Moscow, Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsokhatzopoulos said Greece may purchase S-300PMU-1 missiles from Russia.

4/29 Rosvoorouzhenie director Yevgeny Ananyev announces that although the S-300PMU-1s have not yet been manufactured, they will be delivered to Cyprus in mid-August, rather than September or October as originally expected.

4/30 Russias permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Sergey Lavrov, submits Russias proposal for the demilitarization of Cyprus to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The plan calls for Greece, Turkey, and both Cypriot communities to terminate Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot arms acquisitions. If implemented, the plan would include canceling the S-300PMU-1 acquisition by Cyprus.

May

5/4 US presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke states that the European Unions (EU) decision to open accession talks with Cyprus has led to the deadlock in the Cyprus peace talks. Holbrooke says that the EU made an "unfortunate" decision in not inviting Turkey to become a member of the organization, and that the current deadlock on Cyprus "was a result of that decision." He also says, "if progress is to be made on Cyprus, both sides must be willing to engage in genuine give-and-take. This is not the current situation, especially in regard to two positions taken by the Turkish side." According to Holbrooke, negotiations to resolve the Cyprus problem stalled when Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas insisted that Cyprus withdraw its EU membership application, and that the negotiations on a settlement be conducted on a state-to-state basis.

5/6 Agence France Presse reports an unidentified Turkish government official as saying that Turkey would not object to a Greek plan to purchase the S-300PMU-1s destined for Cyprus, and instead deploy them on the Greek island of Crete.

5/20 Russian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Anatoly Kvashnin and Turkish Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ismail Hakky Karadayi sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening the national security of both countries and the region as a whole.

5/22 Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Rauf Denktas says his government will not negotiate the Cyprus dispute with the Greek Cypriot government if it deploys the S-300PMU-1 missile system. A senior Cypriot officials says that Cyprus will cancel on postpone delivery of the S-300PMU-1s if Turkey withdraws 15,000 of its troops from the island or if Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas resumes reunification talks with the Greek Cypriot community without setting preconditions. The Cyprus newspaper I Makhi reports that Israeli government, military, and intelligence officials are concerned that the S-300PMU-1's radar system will be activated whenever aircraft take off from Israel.

5/24 The Cypriot newspaper O Filevtheros reports that diplomatic efforts to halt the delivery of the S-300PMU-1s are making little progress, largely due to Turkey's refusal to negotiate on the issue. Foreign military planners are reportedly outlining scenarios for the S-300PMU-1's delivery, including possible Turkish military action.

5/27 US Department of State special envoy to Cyprus Thomas Miller warns Cyprus not to deploy the S-300PMU-1 missiles, saying he believes they are "much more of a magnet to Turkish hostilities than they are a deterrent to Turkish hostilities." Miller also warns Turkey against attacking the missiles, labeling such action as "equally unproductive."

5/31 The Cyprus newspaper O Filevtheros reports that Cyprus and Greece appear ready to discuss having the S-300PMU-1s delivered to Cyprus but not deployed, in exchange for a UN-declared no-fly zone over the island.

June

6/1 Cypriot government spokesman Khristos Stilianidhis says that a British plan to evacuate up to 250,000 people from the island in the event of hostilities is a "pressure lever for the cancellation and non-delivery" of the S-300PMU-1 missiles. The British defense ministry says that it is only developing contingency plans, and that the claim that the plan envisions evacuating 250,000 people is sensationalist.

6/3 British military forces based in Cyprus stop the Greek cargo ship Raphael to search it for S-300PMU-1 components but find none. Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou and Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsokhatzopoulos protest the incident, noting that the British acted without consulting either of them.

6/5 French Defense Minister Alain Richard informs Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou that in the absence of a comprehensive agreement for the island's disarmament, France supports Cyprus' intention to accept delivery of the S-300PMU-1s. Richard also says that France intends to continue defense cooperation with Cyprus and is prepared to offer Cyprus new weapon systems as well as assistance in maintaining its current inventory. Russias Russkiy Telegraf reports that Cyprus has begun preparing sites for the S-300PMU-1 missiles under the supervision of Russian specialists. The Cypriot government protests low-altitude British helicopter flights over the island, saying that the British are conducting aerial reconnaissance on possible S-300PMU-1 deployment sites.

6/8 The Cyprus newspaper I Simerini reports Russian sources as saying that the creation of a no-fly zone over Cyprus would not constitute sufficient grounds for halting the delivery of the S-300PMU-1s to the island, as it would not represent a significant step towards demilitarization. The Russian sources also say that storing the missiles on Cyprus rather than deploying them would not be acceptable either, because the S-300PMU-1 contract provides for their delivery and installation. Cyprus' O Filevtheros newspaper reports that diplomatic officials believe activity on Cyprus political issues will be postponed until September, when US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright may visit Greece and Turkey.

6/9 The Russian newspaper Segodnya reports that S-300PMU-1 missiles have been delivered to Cyprus. A Cypriot government official denies the report, and the US Department of Defense says it has no evidence to confirm the statement. Rosvoorouzhenie, the S-300's marketer, also denies the report, stating that delivery of the missiles will occur as scheduled in late July or early August.

6/10 Russian air force commander Anatoly Kornukov says that Cypriot military officials will arrive in Russia later in the month to test the S-300PMU-1 system at a base near Astrakhan.

6/11 A Russian diplomat says that for technical reasons Russia will postpone delivery of the S-300PMU-1 missiles until late 10/98 or 11/98.

6/15 Turkish customs officials say that they have found seven mobile missile launchers aboard the Maltese-flagged Natasha-1. The ship was stopped as it traveled through the Dardanelles from Russia to Egypt. The ships declared cargo included 142 tractors bound for Egypt. Turkish news reports say that customs officials are unable to confirm that the launchers are for the S-300PMU-1 system ordered by Cyprus.

6/16 Four Greek F-16 fighter aircraft land at Cyprus Paphos airbase following the 6/15 arrival of a Greek C-130 transport plane. A Cyprus Defense Ministry spokesman says that "the visit is part of the implementation of the common defense doctrine between Cyprus and Greece and an effort to ascertain the readiness of the base." Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas says that "this is an action that threatens peace and stability and cannot be ignored." A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement says that "the use by Greek planes of the base is an extremely grave and provocative development that is directed to breaking trust and stability on the island and in the region."

6/17 The Turkish Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and senior generals meet to discuss possible responses, including military action, to the 6/16/98 arrival of Greek military aircraft at the Paphos airbase on Cyprus. According to a senior Turkish official, two options discussed were bombing the runway at the Paphos airbase and interdicting future military flights between Cyprus and Greece.

6/19 Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz says that "the deployment of Russian missiles in Cyprus would not only disrupt peace in Cyprus but would also upset the general balances in the eastern Mediterranean. This does not concern Turkey alone. Turkey, however, will adopt the countermeasures that concern it without any hesitation."

6/20 Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsokhatzopoulos says that the arrival of Greek military aircraft at Cyprus Paphos airbase is within the framework of the training policy of Cyprus and Greece as part of their joint defense doctrine.

6/21 The Greek newspaper To Vima Tis Kiriakis reports that the Cyprus Security Council has decided to delay deployment of the S-300PMU-1 missiles until 10/98 as a gesture of goodwill toward resolving the S-300PMU-1 missile issue. Two hundred Russian military officers reportedly will arrive later in the month to prepare deployment sites for the missiles.

6/23 Cypriot government spokesman Khristos Stilianidhis reports that Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulidhis is on a campaign to publicize the plan for Cyprus demilitarization proposed by Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides to the United Nations. A source close to the Cypriot government says, however, that UN acceptance of the proposed plan would not necessarily mean that the contract for the delivery of the S-300PMU-1 missiles would be cancelled.

6/27 Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos says that Greece will consider boosting defense ties with Cyprus. He says that Greece will "examine the possibility of a qualitative improvement of the joint defense doctrine," which commits Greece to aid Cyprus in the event of renewed hostilities on the island.

6/28 The Sunday Times reports that a recent poll of Greek Cypriots indicates 72% favor deployment of the S-300PMU-1 system, even if doing so leads to war with Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

6/29 Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas says that the TRNC will lengthen runways at its Lefkoniko (Gecitkale) airport for use by the Turkish military.

6/29 The United Nations Security Council adopts Resolutions 1178 and 1179. Resolution 1178 extends the mandate of the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) until 31 December 1998. The resolution stresses the importance of Cyprus demilitarization as part of an overall settlement of the Cyprus dispute, and reiterates the Security Councils "grave concern at the continuing excessive and increasing levels of military forces and armaments in the Republic of Cyprus and the rate at which they are being expanded, upgraded and modernized, including by the introduction of sophisticated weaponry, and the lack of progress towards any significant reduction of the number of troops in the Republic of Cyprus, which threatens to raise tensions both on the island and in the region and complicate efforts to negotiate an overall political settlement."

Resolution 1179 reaffirms that "the status quo on Cyprus is unacceptable" and the Security Councils "position that a Cyprus settlement must be based on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded, and comprising two politically equal communities as described in the relevant Security Council resolutions, in a bi-communal and bi-zonal federation, and that such a settlement must exclude union in whole or in part with any other country or any form of partition or secession."

July

7/1 The Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reports that due to the tension caused by Cyprus S-300PMU-1 purchase, Turkey plans to expedite delivery of the 72 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) it has ordered from the United States. Forty-two of the 160km-range missiles have already been delivered. Turkey plans to deploy the missiles near border areas in accordance with its defense concept against external threats.

7/4 Russian officials say that delivery of the S-300PMU-1 missiles will be delayed until late fall. The US Clinton administration notifies Congress of a $250 million plan to deliver 14 frigates to Turkey and 11 frigates to Greece over the next two years.

7/6 Russian sources close to the S-300PMU-1 deal tell Interfax that delivery of the missiles to Cyprus will be completed by 1/1/99.

7/8 Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou flies to Astrakhan, Russia to observe testing of the S-300PMU-1 system.

7/8 After meeting with Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, US Secretary of Defense William Cohen announces that the United States is willing to explore the creation of a no-fly zone over Cyprus in order to halt deployment of the S-300PMU-1 missiles. Cypriot government spokesman Khristos Stilianidhis says that Cyprus welcomes the proposal, and that the creation of a no-fly zone would be part of Cyprus common policy and strategy with Greece.

7/9 In opening five days of UN-sponsored negotiations between Greek Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas in New York, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan says that an end to Cyprus division could be within reach. However, UN officials do not expect any immediate agreements to result from the talks, and Annan warns that "the consequences of failure are likely to be more dire than at any time in recent decades."

7/9 Cypriot military personnel test-fire the S-300PMU-1 system at target rockets from a firing range near Astrakhan, Russia. According to a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, they "shot down several targets with near 100 percent practice firing efficiency."

7/10 Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz says that if the Greek Cypriot government deploys missiles on Cyprus, Turkey will deploy missiles on the Turkish-held part of the island.

7/10 The Turkish newspaper Milliyet reports that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright proposed that Cyprus purchase shorter-range Russian-built SA-15 surface-to-air missiles, as an alternative to the S-300PMU-1 system. According to the Greek newspaper Exousia, Cypriot president Glavkos Clerides sent a reply to Albright containing three proposals for resolving the crisis. One proposal suggests that delivery of the S-300PMU-1 system be delayed if intercommunal talks resume, and delivery cancelled if such talks make significant progress. According to the second proposal, delivery of the missile system would be delayed if negotiations begin on Cyprus' demilitarization, and the S-300PMU-1 contract would be cancelled if significant progress is made towards demilitarization. Clerides' third proposal is to cancel delivery of the S-300PMU-1 system if a US-or UN-guaranteed no-fly zone is established over Cyprus. Clerides said that if a non-guaranteed no-fly zone is established, the S-300PMU-1 could be delivered to Cyprus but not deployed. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Sermet Atacanli rejects Clerides' proposals, saying that "our stand with regards to the missiles has not changed. We will not engage in any negotiations on the issue." Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit also opposes the no-fly zone proposal, saying that "we cannot bargain on our security."

7/14 Israeli and Turkish officials deny press reports that Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft trained in Israel's Negev desert in late June 1998. They were alleged to have practiced attacking surface-to-air missiles. Avi Benayahu, a spokesman for Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai, calls the allegations "total nonsense," and says that Turkish pilot training in Israel is for "humanitarian cooperation." Turkish military officials say that Turkish fighter pilots had been training in Israel, but deny they conducted assault exercises on anti-aircraft missiles. According to Turkey's ATV, the Turkish F-16 aircraft successfully used the latest electronic warfare equipment to neutralize Russian-built missile radars like those deployed with the S-300PMU-1 system. Cyprus' I Simerini newspaper reports that the Turkish aircraft fired Israeli-produced Popeye air-to-ground missiles during the exercises. Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas says that if the reports are true, it could damage Greek-Turkish relations and peace and security in the southeast Mediterranean.

7/14 Cyprus' BRTK Television Network reports that Israeli Air Force Commander Eytan Ben-Eliyahu said Israel does not favor any military initiative that changes the existing balance of forces in the region, and that Israel is prepared to take action to preserve the balance.

7/15 In an interview with Jane's Defence Weekly, Cypriot President Glavcos Clerides says that he does not believe his government's decision to purchase 36 S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missiles will lead to war between Greece and Turkey. Clerides says he has "sent a letter to the UN Secretary General offering to stand-down the National Guard; to hand all my military equipment to the UN; to accept international controls [to ensure] I am not holding any weapons; and to pay the total cost for an increased international force in Cyprus. All the money saved by not purchasing weapons, I would place in a UN account for infrastructure to increase the per capita income of the Turkish-Cypriot community. My proposal was rejected by Turkey." Clerides also states that he has postponed partial delivery of S-300PMU-1 missile system to Cyprus from August to late September 1998.

7/16 NATO Secretary General Xavier Solana says that NATO is prepared to monitor a no-fly zone over Cyprus.

7/17 The Israeli Defense Ministry denies the statement by Israel Air Force Commander Eytan Ben-Eliyahu that Israel is considering an attack on the S-300PMU-1 system if it is deployed on Cyprus. The Israeli embassy in Cyprus says that Israel has no involvement in the deployment of the S-300PMU-1 system, and does not consider it a threat.

7/17 A report in Russia's Ruskiy Telegraf states that Russia has decided to transport the S-300PMU-1 system to Cyprus escorted by a Russian navy fleet sailing from the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar en route to exercises in the Indian Ocean. The missile frigate Peter the Great and aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov will form part of the fleet, which is scheduled to remain in Cyprus temporarily to perform protective duties while the S-300PMU-1 system is deployed. According to the report, Russia has abandoned plans to ship the missile via the Black Sea and Bosporus to avoid escalating tension with Turkey. Russia's NTV reports that the missiles will arrive fully assembled in August 1998.

7/18 Cypriot president Glavkos Clerides says that despite a US law banning arms sales to Cyprus, Turkish forces on the island have recently been reinforced with "heavy self-propelled guns, various types of tanks, and armored personnel-carrying vehicles and other modern armaments built in the United States."

7/19 Turkey deploys six warships and a squadron of military aircraft to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as part of ceremonies commemorating the anniversary of its 1974 invasion of Cyprus. The Cypriot government accuses Turkey of threatening peace on the island, while Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas says that he plans to increase cooperation between the TRNC and Turkey.

7/24 Achilles Paparsenos, spokesman for the Greek Embassy in the United States, says that in September 1998 Greece will purchase an unspecified number of either the US-produced MIM-104 Patriot or the Russian S-300PMU-1 air-defense missile system.

7/27 Greek Prime Minister Konstandinos Simitis says that the final decision on the S-300PMU-1 system can be made only by Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides. Simitis had earlier accused Clerides of "deciding to buy the S-300PMU-1 missiles without thoroughly considering the situation," and was apparently angered by Clerides' suggestion that a decision to delay or cancel the delivery of the missiles should be reached jointly by the Greek National Council and Cypriot leaders.

7/28 Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides and Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulidhis respond favorably to US State Department envoy Thomas Miller's proposal to establish a moratorium on Greek and Turkish military flights over Cyprus. According to the proposal, British bases on Cyprus would monitor air activity over the island, relaying information to Greek and Turkish military officials at NATO air force headquarters in Naples, Italy. If the moratorium were violated, a report would be issued to NATO headquarters. According to US government sources, because Greece and Turkey are NATO members, the United States could not shoot down their aircraft even if they violate the flight moratorium.

7/31 The Turkish news agency Anatolia reports that radar components of the S-300PMU-1 system have arrived on Cyprus. Dervish Eroglu, a Turkish government official quoted in the report, says that the missiles for the system have not yet arrived.

August

8/3 As part of an effort to generate funding for US defense procurement, the US Congress approves a plan to sell 14 surplus naval ships to Turkey and 11 to Greece. Several representatives criticize the plan, noting that tension between Greece and Turkey is high. Representative Doug Bereuter of Nebraska says that given their recent arms purchases "you certainly would wonder about providing them more firepower." New York Representative Benjamin A. Gilman criticizes the plan as "a new military foreign aid program" for Greece and Turkey. Wisconsin Representative David R. Obey says that "I think it is an incredibly ill-advised action to provide these ships to Turkey and Greece, given what is happening in the Aegean. I think it sends exactly the wrong signal to both sides." Obey also objects to the plan on the grounds that "under this approach, the more sophisticated weapons the Pentagon can sell to other countries, the more it can spend on its own weaponry."

8/4 Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas tells visiting Russian envoy Vladimir Tchizov that once the S-300PMU-1 system is deployed on Cyprus, any action taken against it cannot be considered as directed against Russia.

8/5 The Cypriot House of Representatives approves a bill to increase the country's defense levy from a three percent income tax to four percent tax. The increased revenues are expected to provide an additional $80 million for the defense budget. House speaker Spyros Kyprianou says that the bill "sends the message that the people of Cyprus and their representatives are determined to back all efforts for the island's defense, for as long as Turkey continues to occupy part of Cyprus and continues its threats."

8/6 Russian ambassador to Greece Valentina Matvienko tells Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yannos Kranidiotis that Russia will guarantee safe transport of the S-300PMU-1 system to Cyprus.

8/5 The Cypriot House of Representatives approves a bill to increase the country's defense levy from a 3% income tax to a 4% tax. The new revenue is expected to provide an additional $80 million for the defense budget. House speaker Spyros Kyprianou says that the bill "sends the message that the people of Cyprus and their representatives are determined to back all efforts for the island's defense, for as long as Turkey continues to occupy part of Cyprus and continues its threats."

8/5 Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides says that due to Italy's suspension of delivery of Aspide surface-to-air missiles to Cyprus, negotiations are under way to purchase medium-range missiles from Greece.

8/5 Cyprus' I Simerini newspaper reports that Russian officials told Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides during his visit to Moscow that they will support Cyprus' deployment of the S-300PMU-1 system and veto any United Nations effort to extend diplomatic recognition to the Turkish-occupied region of Cyprus.

8/6 Russian ambassador to Greece Valentina Matvienko tells Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yannos Kranidiotis that Russia will guarantee safe transport for the S-300PMU-1 system to Cyprus.

8/19 Turkey rejects a proposal by US special envoy to Cyprus Thomas Miller to impose a moratorium on military flights over Cyprus in exchange for delaying the Cypriot government's deployment of the S-300PMU-1 air-defense missile system. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Necati Utkan says that "our position is that we will not allow anything to be used as a bargaining chip on the S-300s. The S-300s are the Greek Cypriots problem. They created it and they have to solve it." According to Turkish sources, the moratorium would reward the Cypriot government for delaying the S-300PMU-1 system's deployment. Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yannos Kranidiotis says that Turkey's rejection of Miller's proposal is "very disappointing."

8/19 Officials of Cyprus' Foreign Ministry confer with representatives of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the chief of the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) concerning an alleged buildup of Turkish forces on Cyprus.

8/20 Turkey's Milliyet newspaper reports that Cyprus and Greece are planning to delay deployment of the S-300PMU-1 system on Cyprus until after Turkish general elections in April 1999. Cyprus' interim charge d'affaires in Moscow, Sophoclis Sophocli, says that although the S-300PMU-1 system was originally due to arrive in Cyprus between mid-July and mid-August, none of its components have been deployed on the island.

8/21 Referring to the delivery of the S-300PMU-1 system to Cyprus, Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides says that "we have not made any plans for a postponement."

8/21 Turkey's Cumhuriyet newspaper reports that Russia has informed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) that it does not intend to retaliate if Turkish forces attack the S-300PMU-1 system purchased by Cyprus.

8/24 Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos says that the S-300PMU-1 issue only concerns Cyprus. He also urges the United States to pressure Turkey to remove US-produced arms deployed in the Turkish-occupied area of Cyprus.

8/25 Turkish patrol boats fire on two Greek Cypriot fishing boats approximately 2km off Cyprus, after the boats crossed the maritime security zone patrolled by the United Nations. No injuries were reported, although several bullets hit the two vessels. The UN peacekeeping mission strongly protested the Turkish military's resort to force, and UN spokesperson Fred Eckhard cautioned that such behavior could lead to "tragic events."

8/26 Greek government spokesman Christos Stylianides says that Foreign Minister Pangalos' statement on 8/24 was in support of Cyprus' plan to deploy the S-300PMU-1 system, and did not indicate that Greece's support for the plan was weakening. According to Stylianides, "there has been no overturning, at any point, of the essence of the common strategic course of Greece and Cyprus."

8/26 Two Turkish RF-4 Phantom reconnaissance aircraft fly around the island of Cyprus. According to Cyprus' O Logos Television Network, their mission was to photograph the Paphos air-base and other sensitive installations. A second pair of Turkish RF-4 aircraft flies from Morphou to the Apostolos Andreas area of Cyprus, reportedly escorted by Turkish fighter aircraft.

8/27 Cypriot and Greek leaders say that the S-300PMU-1 system will be deployed on Cyprus in November. Cypriot President Glavcos Clerides has reportedly been threatened by his main coalition supporters that they will demand his resignation if he fails to carry out his 2/98 campaign pledge to deploy the S-300PMU-1 system on Cyprus. Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis denies reports that deployment would be postponed, and says, "the government of Cyprus, with the support of Greece, will take whatever measures are necessary for its defense." Turkish President Suleyman Demirel warns against the deployment, saying "you may start a war but you may not control it."

8/28 ITAR-TASS news agency reports that a Russian navy spokesperson described as "groundless" prior reports that Russian naval ships would deliver the S-300PMU-1 system to Cyprus while en route to military exercises with the Indian navy.

8/31 Stelios Alifandis, special advisor to the Greek Ministry of Defense, says that Greece will provide protection for the delivery of the S-300PMU-1 system to Cyprus. Alifandis also says that Greek Cypriot President Glavcos Clerides and Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis have agreed that Greece should reinforce Cyprus' military forces.

8/31 Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas proposes creation of a confederation of two equal states on Cyprus. He says that he will resume reunification talks with the Cypriot government if it agrees to his proposal, and that "the ultimate aim of negotiations should be a settlement that will be a confederal structure of two peoples and two sovereign states."

September

9/1 Cypriot President Glavcos Clerides replies to Denktas' confederation proposal by saying that "under no circumstances can Mr. Rauf Denktas' proposal form a basis for talks as it is unacceptable right from the start."

9/4 The Berlin Information Center for Transatlantic Security (BITS) and the British American Security Information Council (BASIC) publish excerpts of a US Department of State report on the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile system compiled by the US Army Missile and Space Intelligence Center. The January 1998 report states, "the bottom line is that, though technically feasible, it would be highly improbable that Nicosia would use the SA-10C [S-300PMU-1] for a SSM [surface-to-surface] role." It also states that "the maximum effective range for the SA-10C [S-300PMU-1] as a SSM would be 30km - far short of reaching the Turkish mainland or even Turkish Cypriot units on Cyprus."

9/5 Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit says that Denktas' confederation proposal is "the last chance for the Greek Cypriot administration to accept a fair and lasting solution for Cyprus."

9/8 Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas advises the Cypriot government to reconsider his confederation proposal, saying "no matter how much you arm your part of the island, you are doomed to be crushed by the 65-million-strong Turkey, should a war erupt."

9/9 Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou says that "there is no truth in the reports" claiming that the terms of the S-300PMU-1 contract with Russia have been modified. The Cypriot newspaper I Simerini reported that a new contract containing two alternative delivery dates had been negotiated with Russia. According to the I Simerini report, one proposal was to have the missile system delivered in 11/98, while the second alternative was to have the system delivered by the end of 12/98 or stored in Russia at Cyprus' expense. I Simerini claimed that Cypriot President Glavcos Clerides had told the Cypriot National Guard that delivery of the S-300PMU-1 system should be delayed until Cyprus' anti-aircraft defenses had been strengthened with medium-range surface-to-air missiles.

9/9 The Greek newspaper Exousia reports on the US Department of State study of the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile system purchased by Cyprus. The study concludes that the S-300PMU-1 could only be converted for use as a surface-to-surface missile (SSM) system by facilities in Russia, and that it would not be "capable of carrying a nuclear, thermal, or biological warhead." US ambassador to Cyprus Richard Holbrooke reportedly used the report during discussions with Cypriot government officials as well as providing it to NATO.

9/10 Greek Deputy Defense Minister Dimitris Apostolakis warns Turkey that "all acts of war against Cyprus will be considered an act of war against Greece." He adds that war between Greece and Turkey "would destabilize the region and would be disastrous for both Greece and Turkey economically and politically and would solve nothing."

9/11 Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou informs Cyprus' parliamentary defense committee that at the end of 10/98, Cyprus will immediately purchase SA-15 surface-to-air missiles from Russia if Italy is still blocking the export of Aspide surface-to-air missiles to the island. The additional Aspide missiles that Cyprus is seeking are believed to cost approximately $54 million, while the Russian SA-15 missiles would cost around $120 million. Cypriot military officials told the parliamentary committee that deploying either before the arrival of the S-300PMU-1 system is not absolutely necessary.

9/15 British Defense Minister Geoffrey Robertson reiterates his country's opposition to Cyprus' intention to deploy the S-300PMU-1 system, and says that Britain is "willing to monitor" a moratorium on Greek and Turkish military flights over Cyprus if both countries agree to the moratorium. Robertson also signs a memorandum of understanding with Turkish Minister of Defense Ismet Sezgin for cooperation between British and Turkish defense industries.

9/16 Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Necati Utkan says that "proposals put forward for these [S-300PMU-1] missiles to be delivered and kept in warehouses are not acceptable to Turkey." He adds, "what's acceptable for Turkey is only the outright cancellation of the order for these missiles. But this step alone would not suffice. To really reduce the tension on the island, the Greek Cypriot mutual defense pact with Greece must be abandoned and the air and naval bases in southern Cyprus must be put out of service."

9/18 Responding to Turkey's call for Cyprus to cancel delivery of the S-300PMU-1 system and terminate its joint defense doctrine with Greece, Cypriot government spokesman Christos Stylianides says that "if Ankara wants the installation of arms systems in Cyprus to be delayed or the alliances cancelled, the only answer is Cyprus' demilitarization. Otherwise, it is meaningless for the Turks to dictate how to protect ourselves when they are maintaining an occupation army and violating the guarantees treaties."

9/22 The United States Department of Defense (DoD) announces a $245 million sale of military equipment to Greece, including 81 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) guided missiles and launching assemblies, 18 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), 146 MLRS extended-range rocket pods, 162 M26 rockets, and other equipment. The sale will reportedly provide the Greek army with "an area fire system for use against hostile artillery, air-defense, and maneuver elements." The DoD also announces a separate, $61 million sale of 200 air-to-ground AGM-65 Maverick missiles, 200 GBU-24A/B guided bomb kits, missile launchers, and training and support equipment. According to the DoD, the sales "will not adversely affect either the military balance in the region or US efforts to encourage a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question."

9/24 In an interview with the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation scheduled to air on 7 October 1998, Aleksey Arbatov, Alternate President of the Russian Duma's Defense Committee, says that Russia would consider any Turkish interference with the delivery of the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile system to Cyprus as an act of war. According to Arbatov, Russia could ratify a decision to react militarily within 24 hours of any Turkish action. However, he said because Russia has no security agreements with Cyprus, it would react politically rather than militarily if Turkish forces attack the missile system after it has been installed on Cyprus. Arbatov also comments that Russia supports a unified Cyprus, and believes that safeguarding its integrity is vital to maintaining stability in the region.

9/24 Alexei Arbatov, deputy chairman of Russia's Duma Defense Committee, says that the Cypriot government has paid only 15 percent of the total due for the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile systems it ordered from Russia. Arbatov says that the rest of the total will be due when the missile systems are delivered, and that "our military industries have borrowed money at very high interest rates. Every day that passes by, interests [sic] grows higher and higher. A large part of the payments we will receive from Cyprus will actually go to interest." Arbatov also says that if Turkey attacked the S-300PMU-1 missile batteries after they were installed on Cyprus, "Russia certainly would consider this a major violation of international law and would act through political channels," adding that "Russia cannot take direct military action against Turkey unless it had a mutual security agreement with the island."

9/24 UN Security Council representatives from China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States issue a joint communiqué calling for early resumption of negotiations on a settlement of the Cyprus problem and for the parties concerned to avoid any action that might increase tension regarding the issue.

9/25 Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides responds to the UN Security Council joint communiqué of 9/24. He invites Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas to renew efforts to end the division of Cyprus, and pledges to refrain from taking any action that might increase tensions over the issue. Clerides does not, however, make any direct reference to Cyprus' plan to deploy the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile system on the island later in 1998.

9/27 Cyprus formally becomes the 116th State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The Cypriot government deposited its instrument of ratification with Secretary General of the UN, in his capacity as Depositary of the Convention, on 8/28/98. Turkey ratified the CWC on 12/5/97, and Greece did so on 12/22/94.

9/29 Greek military officials announce that Greece and Turkey will both participate in NATO military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean beginning on 10/1/98. In the past the two countries refused to participate in exercises, due to disputes over Cyprus and other issues. According to the Greek officials, Greek and Turkish forces will not operate in the same areas during the exercise and will not enter each other's territory.

9/29 The Greek Cypriot newspaper O Filelevtheros reports that the United States plans to seek a direct agreement with the Cypriot government to delay deployment of the S-300PMU-1 missile system on the island. According to O Filelevtheros, on 9/27 US Department of State envoy Thomas Miller said that Cyprus has ordered only two batteries of the S-300PMU-1 missile system, but that it would need 75 batteries for the system to be militarily effective.

October

10/1 Greek Cypriots celebrate Cyprus' 38th year of independence with a military parade including tanks, anti-ship missiles, and armored personnel carriers. Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos is present for the celebrations.

10/2 Concluding a three-day visit to Cyprus, Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos says that Greek military aircraft will participate in Cyprus' annual Niceforos military exercises later in the month. Tsohatzopoulos says that Greek participation in the exercises will reaffirm the two countries' joint defense doctrine and show that "this cooperation is not devoid of content. It is based on specific deeds and actions." He also says, "the people of Cyprus should feel vindicated after Thursday's [10/1/98] military parade which proved the effectiveness and power of the Cyprus Republic's armed forces."

10/2 Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas says that the Greek Cypriot government plans to delay deployment of the S-300PMU-1 missile system on the island until the end of 1998, so as not to interfere with a new round of UN-sponsored talks to resolve the Cyprus question. Reuter's reports an unidentified source familiar with the S-300PMU-1 missile issue as saying that Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides informed United Nations Secretary General Koffi Annan of the postponement in late 9/98.

10/2 Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas says that he will cooperate with a new round of UN shuttle diplomacy on the Cyprus question which could include withdrawing troops from some military positions on the island. Denktas, saying that he made a similar proposal 18 months earlier, says he accepted the shuttle diplomacy proposal "in order to start some confidence-building measures."

10/3 The Greek newspaper Exousia reports that Italy may reverse its decision to halt delivery of Aspide surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) to Cyprus. According to Exousia, the Italian government is being pressured by Alenia, the Aspide's manufacturer, to reverse its decision so the company will not suffer financial losses and will be able to participate in a Greek tender for medium-range missiles. Under the terms of Alenia's contract with Cyprus, if the Aspide missiles are not delivered to the island by the end of 10/98, the Cypriot government will declare the contract cancelled. According to Exousia, Russia is prepared to deliver and install Russian-built SAMs on Cyprus within two to three months, if the contract with Alenia is cancelled. A Turkish Foreign Ministry official reportedly warned Italy on 10/2 not to deliver the Aspide missiles to Cyprus.

10/3 UN envoy to Cyprus Ann Hercus announces that a new round of UN-sponsored talks to resolve the Cyprus dispute will commence. Hercus says the talks will not be open to media coverage and will begin without an agenda or deadline. Hercus also says that Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas have agreed to hold separate "confidential discussions" with her, and that the process could take several weeks.

10/4 Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou says that the joint defense doctrine with Greece is designed to address a specific threat from Turkey, and that "as soon as this threat ceases to exist, our goal, of course, will be to merge all our forces and abilities in a wider, regional security system."

10/5 The US Department of Defense (DoD) announces the sale of six E-2C Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) mission systems to Greece. The AEW&C systems will be fitted in either US-built E-2C Hawkeye or C-130J aircraft and will support Greece's efforts to modernize its air-defense forces. The proposed $380 million deal also includes spare and repair parts as well as training and technical support services. According to the DoD, "this sale will not adversely affect either the military balance in the region or US efforts to encourage a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question."

10/6 After meeting Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou at the Defendory '98 International arms show in Athens, Greece, Russian Defense Ministery Igor Sergeyev says that Russia "will fulfill the terms of the contract" with Cyprus for the S-300PMU-1 missile system and guarantee its safe delivery. Omirou tells reporters that he did not discuss deployment of the S-300PMU-1 missile system with Sergeyev, who is expected to meet with Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsokhatzopoulos and possibly with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis on 10/7.

10/8 In response to a statement by US Senator Alfonse D'Amato that Turkey has deployed US-supplied arms on Cyprus in violation of US law, the US Department of State acknowledges that for the last three months it has been conducting a "comprehensive, in-depth investigation into the possibility that that [sic] US military equipment may have been transferred improperly to Cyprus, including by Turkey and Greece." Under the Department of State's Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs Public Notice 1738 of 12/9/92, "it is the policy of the US government to deny all applications for licenses and other approvals to export or otherwise transfer defense articles and services to any of the armed forces in Cyprus. The US Government opposes such exports because of their ability to contribute to an arms race on the island and hinder UN and US efforts to reach a fair and permanent settlement of the Cyprus dispute." According to D'Amato, Turkey has deployed more than 200 US-supplied tanks, 400 armored personnel carriers, TOW anti-tank missiles, and self-propelled howitzers in northern Cyprus. Unidentified US officials said that the Department of State investigation was taking longer than expected, due to slow cooperation from Greece and Turkey.

10/9 Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos announces that Greece will purchase four batteries of MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems for $1.2 billion from the US firm Raytheon. Greece reportedly has an option to buy a total of six Patriot batteries, and will undertake joint production with Raytheon. Raytheon has also signed a $145 million contract to upgrade Greece's MIM-23 HAWK air-defense system to Phase III Configuration. The upgrade will provide immediate interoperability between the HAWK and Patriot systems. Greece has also reportedly contracted to buy Russian SA-15 Tor SAM systems and French Crotale SAM systems for $685 million.

10/16 Cypriot National Guard chief Panayiotis Tatsiopoulos says that Greek fighter aircraft and naval vessels will participate in Cyprus' six-day Niceforos military exercises beginning on 20 October.

10/16 UN special envoy to Cyprus Ann Hercus meets with Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides to begin a new round of shuttle diplomacy. Hercus does not comment on the details of the meeting but says that she will meet with Clerides again on 22 October, after a 21 October meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas. According to UN Secretary General Koffi Annan, Hercus' talks are intended to develop a "process for on-island contacts with both parties with the goal of reducing tensions and promoting progress toward a just and lasting settlement."

10/20 Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou says that the Niceforos military exercises taking place on Cyprus send a message that "the armed forces are ready to defend our country against any threat." Omirou also says that "every aspect" of the island's Paphos military airbase will be tested during the exercises.

10/21 Prior to his meeting with UN envoy Ann Hercus, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas proposes that the Greek-Cypriot government and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus sign a non-aggression pact. Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulidhis says that the Greek-Cypriot government is willing to discuss the proposal as part of the latest round of UN-sponsored shuttle diplomacy.

10/21 Cypriot defense sources say that a Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft chased a Greek C-130 transport aircraft on 20 October as it flew to Cyprus to participate in the annual Niceforos military exercises.

10/22 Four Greek air force F-16 fighter aircraft and two A-7 strike aircraft attack mock targets on Cyprus as part of the annual Greek-Cypriot Niceforos joint military exercises.

10/22 Cypriot Defense Ministry officials report that two Turkish RF-4 Phantom reconnaissance aircraft entered Cypriot airspace and flew over Larnaca and Paphos. The Turkish Foreign Ministry denies the report, saying that "our planes fly within the confines of international airspace and have not committed any violation over Cyprus." Responding to rumors that Turkey plans to carry out provocative actions during the Niceforos military exercises, Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou says that "Cyprus and Greece are not interested at all in whipping up tension, but are ready to stand up to any provocations and at any time."

10/22 A Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation television report indicates that Italy will not authorize the delivery of Aspide surface-to-air missiles to the island until the S-300PMU-1 issue has been resolved. The Italian government has reportedly indicated that it will cancel or postpone the Aspide contract if progress on the S-300PMU-1 issue has not been made by December 1998.

10/23 The US Congress approves a Clinton administration proposal to sell four Kidd- class frigates to Greece and four Perry-class frigates to Turkey. According to an anonymous US government official, the sale will enable Greece and Turkey to modernize their navies and meet their NATO commitments.

10/24 Cypriot television reports that two Greek F-16 fighter aircraft intercepted four Turkish fighter aircraft and two reconnaissance aircraft that entered Cypriot airspace. The Turkish Foreign Ministry denies that any such violation took place.

10/25 The Tel Aviv-based Ha'aretz newspaper reports that Israel's Rafael defense firm has concluded an $80 million deal to sell Popeye-1 air-to-ground missiles to Turkey for its F-4 fighter aircraft.

10/26 Turkey's Anatolia news agency reports that Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will conduct joint military exercises in northern Cyprus in November 1998, as a response to the Cypriot-Greek Niceforos joint military exercises. According to an unidentified Turkish official, Turkish fighter aircraft will participate in the exercises and visit the Turkish-Cypriot airbase on the island.

10/26 Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou says that following the conclusion of the Niceforos military exercises, two Greek air force F-16 fighter aircraft will remain at Cyprus' Paphos airbase to respond to possible Turkish provocation. A plan to have the aircraft permanently stationed at the base is reportedly under consideration. Omirou also announces that "preliminary infrastructure work" has begun near Limassol on Cyprus' first naval base. The base will presumably be for the use of the Greek navy, since Cyprus' only naval forces consist of maritime police vessels based at commercial ports.

10/26 The Moscow-based Ekspert journal reports that during his October visit to Greece, Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev discussed the possibility of an informal military alliance with Greece and Cyprus. Sergeyev also said that "we [Russia] believe it is essential to help maintain the military potential of the Republic of Cyprus at a level to prevent another party from achieving military supremacy and dictating its terms or even committing an act of aggression."

10/27 An unidentified Israeli government official tells the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation that the United States has advised Israel against military cooperation with Cyprus. According to the official, the US recommendation led Israel to forego selling weapons and other military equipment to Cyprus.

10/29 Doros Christodoulides, parliamentary deputy for Cyprus' opposition AKEL party, says that the delivery date for the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile system has been postponed from November 1998 to the end of the year.

10/29 US ambassador to Greece Nicholas Burns expresses concern over "mock dogfights" between Greek and Turkish military aircraft that occurred during Cyprus' Niceforos military exercises the previous week. Burns says that "I'm convinced that Greece and Turkey want to avoid conflict... (but) when you have mock dogfights, you're going to run a little bit of a risk." He also says that "I don't unfortunately anticipate any dramatic positive movement on Cyprus in the short term. I think we're seeing a resistance on Turkey's side to flexibility and cooperation that makes short-term progress very difficult."

November

11/5 According to the Nicosia-based I Simerini newspaper, Russia expects to be notified by the Cypriot government in mid-November whether it should begin preparations to deliver the S-300PMU-1 missile system to Cyprus by the end of 1998.

11/7 Israeli nationals Udi Hargov and Igal Damary are arrested in Cyprus on charges of spying. The two men are arrested near the Greek-Cypriot fishing village of Zygi, a proposed site for construction of a Cypriot naval base. Cypriot officials express concern that the men are gathering information on the potential deployment of the S-300PMU-1 air-defense system by monitoring police and army communications, which may be provided to Turkey.

11/7 Following release of a European Union commission report stating that Cyprus has decided to postpone deployment of the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile system on the island, Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides says that rumors of a postponement are "completely unfounded."

11/8 Cypriot House of Representatives President Spiros Kiprianou says that Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides has assured him that there is no discussion of a proposal to deploy the S-300PMU-1 system on Crete instead of on Cyprus.

11/9 Cyprus' I Simerini newpaper reports that the Greek National Defense Ministry and the general staff of the Greek Cypriot National Guard are opposed to deploying the S-300PMU-1 missile system on Crete.

11/15 The Athens-based To Vima tis Kiriakis newspaper reports that Turkish aircraft may conduct electronic warfare and jamming exercises during Turkey's "Toros 98-2" military exercises in the Aegean Sea. According to the report, Turkey has modified its ALQ-178 airborne radar warning and jamming system to identify and jam electronic frequencies used by the S-300PMU-1 air-defense system. The ALQ-178 system is produced by the US firm Loral Electronics Systems, and is also built under license in Israel.

11/16 The Nicosia-based Alithia newspaper reports that the Greek Cypriot government is considering purchasing "missile-boats" for Cyprus' navy. Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou reportedly told Alithia that the Defense Ministry's 1999 budget includes funds for purchasing the vessels.

11/16 The Turkish newspaper Sabah reports that Turkish fighter aircraft and military helicopters will conduct attacks on mock S-300PMU-1 missile batteries during the Turkish Armed Forces' "Toros" military exercises. The exercises are scheduled to take place in Turkish-occupied Cyprus during 18-20 November.

11/18 The United States Department of Defense (DoD) announces the possible sale to Turkey of three FFG-7 Perry-class frigates and eight FF-1052 Knox-class frigates currently leased to Turkey. The proposed sale also includes 20,000 rounds of 20mm cartridges, "other ammunition items," and associated support equipment and services for a total estimated value of $205 million. The Perry-class frigates will reportedly enhance Turkey's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. According to the DoD announcement, "this sale will not adversely affect either the military balance in the region or U.S. efforts to encourage a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question."

11/18 Turkish warships and submarines arrive in the northern Cyprus harbor of Kyrenia to participate in Turkey's "Toros" military exercises. Turkish RF-4 reconnaissance aircraft reportedly enter Cypriot airspace during the exercises.

11/18 Aviv Bushinsky, spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says that an official Israeli inquiry concluded that the two Israeli men arrested on espionage charges in Cyprus on 7 November "did not act against Cyprus or act on Cypriot soil on behalf of Turkey." According to Cypriot prosecutor Andreas Naum, immediately prior to their arrest the two men were telephoning "a specific intelligence institute whose headquarters is in Tel Aviv."

11/20 The Cypriot government formally charges Israeli nationals Udi Hargov and Igal Darmary with spying, conspiracy to spy, and possession of proscribed monitoring equipment. A Cypriot government official investigating the case addresses a court in Larnaca, charging that "the accused collected information on the defense of the republic and passed this information on to a foreign country."

11/20 The Nicosia-based weekly Epta reports that Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Greek Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides are expected to discuss three scenarios regarding deployment of the S-300PMU-1 system during their scheduled 27 November meeting. According to one scenario, the S-300PMU-1 system would be delivered to Crete and an order for shorter-range missiles to be deployed on Cyprus would be announced. Another scenario is to delay deployment of the S-300PMU-1 missile system on Cyprus until the spring of 1999. The third scenario envisions storing the missile system on Cyprus, but not deploying it.

11/27 Following an Athens summit meeting with Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis comments on the S-300 issue, saying that "as for Cyprus' defense shield, the two countries have agreed and now declare that Greece and Cyprus have no interest whatsoever in creating tension.... Any defense measure adopted is solely aimed at defending Cyprus [against] escalating Turkish threats. Greece stands by Cyprus. Its commitments within the framework of the joint defense doctrine always continue to apply." However, an unidentified official who participated in the meeting says that "Athens wants the S-300 to be installed in Crete and will impose this view on President Glavkos Clerides after giving him some more room to make tactical maneuvers." According to the Nicosia-based I Makhi newspaper, Clerides believes that the S-300PMU-1 missile system could be deployed on Cyprus with only its 150km-range engagement radar activated, while the system's longer-range surveillance radar would not be used.

11/30 Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides denies that Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis proposed deploying the S-300PMU-1 missile system on Crete instead of Cyprus during their 27 November meeting. Clerides says that that "proposal was made long ago and occasionally resurrected by foreigners by the United States, Britain, and other European countries."

11/30 In a Defense Week interview, US Air Force (USAF) Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Robert Bauerlein says that the USAF supports the proposed sale of 60 Boeing F-15 fighter aircraft to Greece. Commenting on the possibility that the sale might be cancelled due to Greek-Turkish tensions, Bauerlein says, that is a "question of regional balance of power and is it [the proposed sale] going to contribute to stability or instability those are the kinds of things we'll have to evaluate before a final decision is made to go forward with a congressional notification. And, I think a lot of that will depend on the behavior of the countries themselves."

December

12/1 Cyprus' O Filelevtheros newspaper reports that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is expected to intervene personally in mid-December to try to resolve the S-300PMU-1 issue. The Greek and Cypriot governments reportedly view Annan's intervention as an opportunity to reduce tensions over the issue.

12/1 The United States Department of Defense (DoD) announces that Greece has "requested a possible combined lease/sale arrangement of four KIDD Class Guided Missile Destroyers, 62,000 20mm cartridges, 4,800 5"/54 projectiles, 64 anti-submarine rockets, 320 MK 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Chaff, 32 HARPOON missiles, 48 MK 46 MOD 5 torpedoes," and associated support equipment and services at an estimated cost of $742 million. According to the DoD announcement, the Kidd-class destroyers will enhance Greece's air-defense capability, while the Harpoon missiles and anti-submarine rockets will improve its anti-ship warfare capability. The DoD announcement also says, "this sale will not adversely affect either the military balance in the region or U.S. efforts to encourage a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question."

12/1 Cyprus' I Simerini newspaper reports that the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile system cannot be deployed on Cyprus before the end of 1998 due to technical reasons. According to I Simerini, if the Cypriot National Council approves the missile system's deployment at its scheduled mid-December meeting, there will not be enough time before year's end for the missiles to be transported by sea from Russia to Cyprus.

12/2 Former Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit is asked to form a new Turkish government, following the ouster of Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz on corruption charges. As prime minister in 1974, Ecevit ordered the Turkish invasion of Cyprus following an Athens-backed coup on the island.

12/3 After meeting with Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides, US Ambassador to Cyprus Kenneth Brill says that the United States is prepared to examine any proposal regarding the disposition of the S-300PMU-1 missile system as long as it is not deployed on Cyprus.

12/3 Cypriot Defense Minister Ioannis Omirou says that the Greece and Cyprus are considering formation of an anti-aircraft umbrella within the framework of their joint defense doctrine.

12/3 The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation reports that the Greek and Cypriot governments are concerned that the United Nations may include a clause referring to the planned deployment of the S-300PMU-1 missile system on Cyprus in its biannual renewal of the mandate of the UN Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

12/4 According to the Nicosia-based I Makhi newspaper, the Cypriot National Council will decide whether to deploy the S-300PMU-1 missile system on Crete rather than on Cyprus. However, because Greece favors deploying the missiles on Crete, it will reportedly be difficult for the Cypriot National Council to disagree with the Greek position.

12/6 The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) reports that Turkey has assured Russia that it will not attack the S-300PMU-1 missile system if it is deployed on Cyprus. According to the CyBC report, anonymous Russian sources said that Turkey will not attack the missiles for fear of injuring Russian personnel who will aid in deploying and operating the missile system. The sources said that Russia has threatened Turkey with serious repercussions if Russian personnel are injured in a Turkish attack. One source commented that Russia does not approve of the proposal to deploy the S-300PMU-1 on Crete instead of Cyprus, because doing so would allow the United States and NATO to gain access to the missile system's technology.

12/6 Allen Rapert, production material coordinator for the Boeing F-15 fighter aircraft production line in St. Louis, United States, expresses confidence that Greece will announce an order for F-15 aircraft by January 1999. He predicts that if Greece orders F-15 aircraft, Turkey is likely to do so as well.

12/9 France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom issue appeals against the deployment of the S-300PMU-1 missile system on Cyprus following the arrival of Cyprus' delegation to the European Union in Vienna, Austria.

12/10 Segodnya chief defense correspondent Pavel Felgenhauer reports that an anonymous Greek diplomat told him that Greek officials now support deployment of the S-300PMU-1 missile system on Crete rather than Cyprus, saying "we are pressing [Cypriot President] Clerides very hard. He is still resisting, but I believe he will agree in the end. We have also told the Russian authorities not to worry the missiles will be bought by Greeks and paid in full no matter where they are deployed. The Greek government's position is firm the S-300 contract will be honored." Felgenhauer writes, "many Russians are hoping that in Cyprus the S-300 will in the end knock some modern Western planes out of the sky." Noting limited exports to date of the S-300PMU-1 system and that it has never been tested in combat, he said the system "badly needs a real-time promotion in the skies over Cyprus."

12/10 Responding to allegations that US-supplied weapon systems may be deployed on Cyprus in violation of US law, US special envoy to Cyprus Thomas Miller says that the US State Department is conducting an investigation of the matter. He adds that although a report of findings reached in the investigation will be submitted to the US Congress, the report may be classified.

12/13 Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Georgy Muratov comments on the proposal to deliver the S-300PMU-1 missile system to Crete rather than Cyprus, saying that "the contract is bilateral and clearly states that the S-300s will be delivered to Cyprus and nowhere else. Either an amendment or a new contract will be needed if the missiles are to be taken somewhere else. These are legal-technical issues which I am not precisely acquainted with. However, whether it is a type of amendment or a new contract, Russia as one of the parties must give its consent."

12/15 The Russian government agrees to a request from the Cypriot government to postpone preparations for the delivery of the S-300PMU-1 missile system to Cyprus for a few days, following US efforts to reach an agreement on Cypriot security matters.

12/22 The UN Security Council approves Resolution 1217 extending the mandate of the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) until 30 June 1999. The resolution also reiterates the Security Council's "grave concern at the continuing excessive levels of military forces and armaments in the Republic of Cyprus and the rate at which they are being expanded, upgraded and modernized, including the introduction of sophisticated weaponry." The resolution does not mention deployment of the S-300PMU-1 system, but calls upon both sides to refrain from taking any action that could exacerbate tensions on the island. The UN Security Council also approves Resolution 1218 calling upon UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Deputy Special Representative Ann Hercus to continue their efforts to reach "an overall political settlement on Cyprus." The resolution urges Greek and Turkish Cypriot officials to work with the Secretary General to achieve the objectives of "promoting progress towards a just and lasting settlement and of reducing tension."

12/24 Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides summons an emergency session of the Cypriot National Council to discuss deployment of the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile system. The council does not reach a decision on deployment, but Cypriot Government spokesman Christos Stylianides says, "it was agreed by all sides that the president of the Republic [Clerides] will go to Athens where he will have a meeting with the prime minister of Greece [Simitis] on Tuesday [29 December]."

12/28 Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides says that if the Cypriot National Council reaches a unanimous decision on the fate of the S-300PMU-1 missile system after his scheduled 29 December consultation with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, "it will be respected." He also says that if a unanimous decision is not reached, "the responsibility of taking a final decision rests with the president." An unidentified Cypriot government official says that the National Council is split over a proposal to deploy the missile system on Crete, but predicts that "after Clerides meets Simitis, the Crete idea will prevail."

12/28 Referring to UN Security Council Resolutions 1217 and 1218 approved on 22 December, Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos says that new conditions have emerged which warrant reassessing the question of the S-300PMU-1 missile system. Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos says that the decision on whether to deploy the S-300PMU-1 system on Cyprus or on Crete is a technical matter to be decided by the Greek and Cypriot governments.

12/29 After meeting with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and other top Greek officials, and with the Cypriot National Council, Cypriot President Glavkos Clerides announces that the S-300PMU-1 missile system will not be deployed on Cyprus. Clerides says that after presenting the views of the Greek government on the issue to the Cypriot National Council, "the positions of the parties were clear, as it was also clear that there was no unanimity. As a result of this, as President of the Cyprus Republic, being fully aware of the responsibilities I am shouldering and being fully conscious of the critical times our national issue is passing through, I reached the decision not to deploy the missiles in Cyprus and I agreed to negotiate with the Russian Government for their possible deployment in Crete." Clerides acknowledges that Greece's support for deploying the missiles on Crete instead of on Cyprus weighed heavily in his decision, and he states that the "only and exclusive guideline in taking this decision was the best interest of the Cypriot people and the broader interests of Hellenism." Clerides also says that he stands by his 1997 decision to purchase the S-300PMU-1 missile system from Russia, and that in not deploying the system in Cyprus he is not "giving in to pressure, threats and blackmail."

12/29 Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis comments on Clerides' decision by saying that "it is a decision which the Greek government fully backs." Simitis also declares that Greece remains committed to its joint defense doctrine with Cyprus, and that "Greece guarantees the right of Greek Cypriots to live in security and will continue to defend that right by all means available." According to Simitis, the S-300PMU-1 system will be deployed on Crete, but paid for and operated by Greek Cypriots.

12/29 US Department of State spokesman Lee McClenny praises Clerides' decision, saying that "we [the United States] welcome and support President Clerides' decision not to bring the S-300 missiles to Cyprus and we commend the government of Cyprus for taking this important step for easing tensions on the island."

12/29 Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem says that the Cypriot government made "a very wrong calculation" in its plan to deploy the S-300PMU-1 missile system on Cyprus as a means to pressure Turkey into making concessions on the Cyprus dispute. He adds that Turkey's policy of threatening to destroy the missile system if it was deployed on Cyprus "ended with the Greeks and Greek Cypriots getting themselves into a comical situation." The Istanbul newspaper Hurriyet hails Clerides' decision as a victory for Turkey, adding that Turkey will now seek to prevent deployment of the missile system on Crete.

12/29 As acting European Union President, Austrian Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schuessel calls Clerides' decision "a great success for quiet diplomacy."

12/29 British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook declares that Clerides' decision "is a significant contribution to international efforts-in which Britain played a prominent part-to reduce tensions in the region. It also helps create the conditions necessary for securing a just and lasting political settlement to the Cyprus problem."

12/29 An unidentified Cypriot Defense Ministry official says that following transportation to Crete, at least six to 12 months will be required to ready the S-300PMU-1 missile system for deployment. According to the source, sites must be prepared for the missile system as well as for decoy missiles.

12/30 According to the Nicosia-based I Makhi newspaper, the Cypriot and Greek governments have reached an agreement whereby three batteries of Russian-built SA-15 short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems will be transferred from Greece to Cyprus, as a substitute for the S-300PMU-1 SAM system that was to have been deployed on the island.

12/30 Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem comments on Greek Cypriot President Clerides' proposal to deploy the S-300PMU-1 missile system on Crete instead of Cyprus, saying that "if anyone reckons that Turkey is now going to give in to blackmail over this plan to deploy these weapons outside Cyprus, they are very much mistaken. Turkey has no intention of succumbing to any international pressure over these destructive weapons."

Sources:

1. This chronology of the S-300PMU-1 dispute is based on news reports, official statements, and documents published by AFX News, Agence France Presse, Alithia, Anatolia, Associated Press, ATV, Boston Globe, British American Security Information Council, Business Wire, CNN, Cumhuriet, Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, Cyprus Mail, Cyprus Weekly, DefenseLINK, Defense News, Defense Week, Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Electronic Telegraph, Elevtheros Tipos, Elevtherotipia, Elliniki Radhiofonia Radio Network, Epta, Exousia, Federal Register, Financial Times, The Guardian, Globes, Haaretz, Hurriyet, Independent, I Makhi, Interfax, International Herald Tribune, ITAR-TASS, I Simerini, Izvestia, Jamestown Monitor, Janes Defence Weekly, Jane's Intelligence Review, Jane's Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems, Jerusalem Post, Kaleidoscope, Kommersant Daily, Middle East International, Milliyet, Moscow Times, New York Times, NTV, O Agon, O Filevtheros, O Logos, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Republic of Cyprus, Russkiy Telegraf, Sabah, Segodnya, Sunday Times, Reuters, Toronto Star, To Vima Tis Kiriakis, Turkish Daily News, the United Nations, United States Information Service, Washington Times, Xinhua, and Yeni Yuzyil.

Data from these sources regarding the S-300PMU-1 sale to Cyprus are included in the International Missile Database of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS). This database contains over 9,000 abstracts regarding international sales and development of ballistic and cruise missiles, missile-defense systems, and missile components and technologies. Access to the full collection is only available by subscription. For subscription information click here.

Michael Barletta and Erik Jorgensen, 28 February 1999.
© Center for Nonproliferation Studies,
Monterey Institute of International Studies


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