The United Nations Security Council has called for greater efforts to reduce what it called the excessive military levels on Cyprus.

It also urged the divided Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to work with United Nations negotiators on reducing tensions.

The appeal was immediately backed by President Clinton.

Tensions on the island have increased since the Greek Cypriot-led government refused to back down from its decision to buy Russian anti-aircraft missiles.

Turkey - which maintains a large garrison in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north - has threatened to retaliate with military action if the missiles are installed.