[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 154 (Friday, December 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2347-E2348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RUSSIA IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM IN CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 1998

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, the tensions in Cyprus continue, despite 
a new round of American diplomatic efforts and shuttle diplomacy by the 
United Nations envoy. In my view, our government should focus its 
attention on a significant part of the problem: Russia.
  As it has since May, Russia refuses to halt its planned sale of S-300 
missiles to the Greek Cypriots, despite resounding protests

[[Page E2348]]

and criticism from our government and the United Kingdom, Germany, and 
the United Nations. The world realizes that introducing sophisticated 
antiaircraft missiles and powerful air surveillance radar into the 
fragile Cyprus peace would dangerously raise tensions between Greek and 
Turkish Cypriots, and between Greece and Turkey.
  Even though Russia is a permanent member of the United Nations 
Security Council, it seemingly flouts numerous Security Council 
resolutions and United Nations efforts to defuse the tensions in 
Cyprus. Indeed, just last Friday the U.N. Security General cited the S-
300 sales in his report to the Security Council recommending renewal of 
the U.N. peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
  Even Greece argued for an alternative; place the S-300s on the Greek 
island of Crete instead of Cyprus. Although not an optimal solution, 
this alternative at least would have kept the missiles out of the 
immediate crisis zone.
  United States Ambassador Kenneth Brill endorsed such an idea, stating 
in the press that the United States would like to see the missiles 
deployed anywhere but Cyprus.
  President Clerides of the Republic of Cyprus rejected the Greek plan. 
In press statements, he tried to downplay the missile crisis, calling 
it but one issue of many regarding security. This is quite an 
understatement, as the missiles could destroy aircraft flying in 
southern Turkey and the radar equipment reportedly could reach as far 
as Israel. The introduction of these missiles creates a real risk of 
wider conflict in the eastern Mediterranean.
  More disappointing was Russia's reaction to the proposal. The Russian 
reaction was more defensive, more ominous--and insulting. Russia 
condemned Mr. Brill's statement as ``unfriendly'', and formally rebuked 
our diplomats in Moscow for interfering in what Russia labels an 
exclusively commercial and bilateral deal. The Russian Ambassador to 
Cyprus responded by saying that Russia is ``nobody's colony.''
  The Russians appear to have mistaken diplomacy for interference, and 
arms sales for acts of sovereignty. International prestige comes from 
settling crises, not provoking them. With power comes responsibility. 
The best way for Russia to show it remains important on the world stage 
is to act responsibly, to work for a solution to the military tension 
on Cyprus rather than inflame it for financial gain.
  It is unclear why Russia has taken this course at a time when it 
hopes for foreign aid to help ease its deep financial crisis. Russia 
risks damaged ties with the U.S., international condemnation, and the 
disruption of commerce in the Mediterranean. What is the motive?--
making money from the missile sale; trying to divide NATO members; 
posturing against Israel and its expanding ties to Turkey; or asserting 
a bold Russian presence abroad to divert attention from problems at 
home? Certainly none of these reasons should be worth damaging 
relations with the international community--or provoking hostilities in 
Cyprus.
  We should expect higher standards of conduct from Russia, a permanent 
member of the U.N. Security Council. Further, its treatment of United 
States diplomats, who are working to find solutions to a crisis which 
everyone except the Greek Cypriots and Russia want to resolve, is 
unacceptable.
  The Administration needs to more forcefully persuade the Russian 
leadership to halt the sale. The President must take a hard line 
against Russia's treatment of United States diplomatic efforts and 
personnel, and their efforts to thwart the will of the international 
community. The U.S. and international community must not take sides in 
the Cyprus matter, but work for an honest and fair solution for both 
sides. Stoking the fire with high tech weaponry sales to one party can 
only lead to further deterioration and a more difficult road for 
peacemakers in the international community.

                          ____________________