BBC News Online: World: Europe

Cyprus arms race hots up

"If they bring missiles to Cyprus, we will install some too," Yilmaz said.

"Our position is clear. If the Greek Cypriots want to deploy these missiles, let them go ahead.

"We will have to take counter-measures for the protection of the Turkish Cypriots. If the Greek Cypriots deploy them in the south, we will reinforce our capabilities," he said.

It is the first time Ankara has threatened a missile deployment of its own on the divided island.

Turkey says the Greek-Cypriot missiles, which are due to be delivered later this year, pose an unacceptable threat. They have a range of 90 miles (145 km), which, Turkey says, would threaten its own airspace as well as northern Cyprus's.

Mr Yilmaz, however, did not repeat previous Turkish threats of a military strike to prevent their deployment.

His remarks came as the top commander of the Turkish armed forces, General Ismail Hakki Karadayi visited Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus to discuss the security situation on the island, which was divided after Turkey invaded the north in July 1974.

The planned deployment of the missiles, combined with the European Union's invitation for Cyprus to become a member, have greatly increased tension between the Greek and the Turkish communities. The Turkish Cypriots have broken off all negotiations.

Meanwhile, the president of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides, is due to meet the Russian president, Boris Yeltsin, in Moscow on Monday.

Compromise solution rejected

Earlier this week the United States offered to consider establishing a "no-fly" zone over Cyprus, which could reduce the tension between the Greek and Turkish sides. Athens and the Cyprus Government welcomed the proposal, but Turkey said it would not bargain over the missiles.

Turkey maintains some 30,000 troops in support of the Turkish controlled area in the north of the island, and Turkish Cypriots look to Turkey to guarantee their security. The BBC correspondent in Ankara says General Karadayi's visit seems designed to reinforce the message that Turkey is determined to continue that support.

In this section

Violence greets Clinton visit
Russian forces pound Grozny
EU fraud: a billion dollar bill
Next steps for peace
Cardinal may face loan-shark charges
Vodafone takeover battle heats up (From Business)
Trans-Turkish pipeline deal signed
French party seeks new leader
Jube tube debut
Athens riots for Clinton visit
UN envoy discusses Chechnya in Moscow
Solana new Western European Union chief
Moldova's PM-designate withdraws
Chechen government welcomes summit
In pictures: Clinton's violent welcome
Georgia protests over Russian 'attack'
UN chief: No Chechen 'catastrophe'
New arms control treaty for Europe
Mannesmann fights back (From Business)
EU fraud -- a billion-dollar bill
New moves in Spain's terror scandal
EU allows labelling of British beef
UN seeks more security in Chechnya
Athens riots for Clinton visit
Russia's media war over Chechnya
Homeless suffer as quake toll rises
Analysis: East-West relations must shift