Cyprus displayed a range of new artillery weapons during independence day celebrations on Monday to signal its ability to defend itself against rival Turkey, which controls the north of the island.
During the military parade four new artillery batteries were displayed: 122mm BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, 203mm M110-82 self-propelled guns, M114 towed artillery pieces with 155mm cannons, and self-propelled 155mm artillery guns known as "Susanna".
"This new equipment signals the National Guard's readiness to defend Cyprus," President Glafcos Clerides told reporters after the parade here to mark the island's independence from Britain in 1960.
He said the procurements were part of the government's commitment to improve the island's defenses against any Turkish aggression.
"We seek a peaceful solution but at the same time we must increase our defenses to thwart Turkish expansionism," he said.
Clerides said there were other new weapons he was "not going to talk about".
"The parade affirms that Cyprus's armed forces are capable and ready to defend the island's right to freedom and independence," added Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who attended the parade and later gave a news conference in Nicosia.
Tsohatzopoulos said the fight against global terrorism and rogue states made it all the more important to bring stability in the region and solve the decades-old Cyprus problem.
"The Cyprus problem is a classic example of what all countries should be focusing on," said Tsohatzopoulos.
UN-sponsored proximity talks were abandoned by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in November 2000 over demands his breakaway state be given equal recognition with the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government.
The Greek defense minister strongly refuted claims by Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit that Nicosia was awash with laundered money and a danger to the European Union (EU).
"Nobody can accept that criticism of Cyprus because it has proved on a daily basis that it upholds human rights and democracy and demonstrated such principles in its EU progress," said Tsohatzopoulos.
Cyprus is a frontrunner in the EU enlargement process.
Also paraded through the streets of the capital on Monday were TOR M-1 short-range anti-aircraft missiles, Greek and Russian-loaned helicopters, plus scores of Russian T-80 and American M-48 main battle tanks -- NICOSIA (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
