The first statement pertains to Cyprus. The United States regrets this step. We have made it clear to the Government of Cyprus and others that we believe that this will complicate efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Cyprus. The Cypriot decision introduces a new and destabilizing military element on the island and in the region at the very time that the international community is exploring ways to foster political cooperation to significantly advance a settlement. Cyprus is already one of the most militarized regions in the world.
Turkey maintains a very large military force on the island and both sides are already heavily armed.
Lasting security and peace for the people of Cyprus can only be achieved at the bargaining table with all sides committed to finding a solution. The past has shown that importing weapons has brought only arms increases from the other side. This new missile system is even more troubling as it threatens to take the arms buildup on Cyprus to a new and disturbing qualitative level. The United Nations Security Council only last month warned that the importation of sophisticated weaponry threatens to raise tensions and complicate peace efforts. Regardless of when this system might be deployed, we believe the conclusion of this sales contract makes any mediation effort that much more difficult and it harms the political atmosphere.