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Greek Cypriot Administration Approves New Arms Purchases
It has been reported in the Greek Cypriot press of 18 December 1998 that the Greek Cypriot Council of Ministers has approved the release of 178 million Greek Cypriot pounds (approximately 350 million U.S dollars) for a new round of military procurement within the context of the Joint Military Doctrine between the Greek Cypriot administration and Greece. The Greek Cypriot newspaper Mahi (18 December 1998) reports that this new round of military procurement will include the purchase of at least a squadron of warplanes, possibly Mirage fighters, and CSH-2 Rooivolk assault helicopters from South Africa. The Greek Cypriot administration will also reportedly consult with the Greek naval construction company ?karamanga', with a view to ordering two warships capable of delivering Exocet missiles. This further military build-up comes at a time when tensions are already high due to the construction of air and naval bases in South Cyprus for use by Greece and the imminent deployment of the S-300 missile system. Moreover, this decision to expand the Joint Military Doctrine comes in the wake of the call made upon the two sides by the UN Secretary-General "to avoid any actions which might increase tension, including by further expansion of military forces and armaments" |