The risk to regional security is far more grave. Turkey and Greece have long held rival claims to Cyprus and islands, airspace, and the continental shelf in the Aegean Sea. Ankara and Turkish Cypriot leaders insist that two states be recognized on Cyprus. Athens demands the withdrawal of the 30,000 Turkish troops occupying the island. Athens also prefers to take the issue of the Aegean islands to the International Court of Justice, where it would almost certainly win.
Turkey refuses adjudication.
Both have overflown Cyprus and sent combat aircraft to the island in contravention of international restrictions. Both have threatened to make good on promises to conclude virtual union with their Cypriot clients. Turkey has warned it will not allow the deployment of the missiles, which Russia has not yet delivered. Enhancing Partnership Turkey's relations with the United States improved considerably in 1998. The improvement reflects, in part, the EU's rejection of Turkey and the removal of 'irritants' in U.S.-Turkish ties.