Greek Cypriot leaders have held talks on whether to go ahead with the deployment of a ground-to-air missile system ordered from Russia, but have postponed a decision pending further discussions in Athens next week between the Cypriot President, Glafcos Clerides, and the Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis.

Turkey, which controls the northern part of Cyprus, has threatened military action to prevent the deployment of the missiles and there has been strong international pressure on the Greek Cypriots to cancel the deal.

But correspondents say cancellation could threaten the survival of Mr Clerides's government.