PRESS RELEASE

13 August 1998

Russian Missiles Could Spark War with American Weapons

The US is sending advanced offensive weapons to Greece and Turkey at a time of escalating tension over Cyprus. The two NATO countries are threatening to go to war if the planned deployment of the Russian S-300 missiles to Cyprus goes ahead in November.

The massive procurement programmes of the Aegean adversaries are discussed in a report published today titled "Diplomacy and Arms: West Sends Mixed Messages to Aegean Adversaries". Turkey plans to spend a further $31 billion over the next ten years, whilst Greece will spend $24 billion over the eight years on fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, frigates and tanks. Together Greece and Turkey have more tanks than Britain, Germany, France and Italy combined.

The paper argues that these procurement programmes are aimed at power projection beyond the Aegean. Both countries are developing the necessary capabilities to fight a war in Cyprus. Both countries have requested the US-made F-15E fighter aircraft, an addition that would double the reach of their respective air forces. Turkey has asked for 40 F-15s and Greece plans to add 30-40 new fighter aircraft to its fleet, possibly F-15s. Turkey has also acquired seven refuelling tanker aircraft, substantially increasing the operational capability of its fighter aircraft fleet. Greece plans to acquire four similar tanker aircraft. In addition, the US Administration is seeking Congressional approval to sell twenty-five frigates and destroyers to Greece and Turkey.

"It is ironic that while the State Department tries to mediate between the two adversaries, the Pentagon escalates tensions by selling advanced, offensive weapons. Such double-standards are staggering," says Tasos Kokkinides, senior analyst at BASIC.

A possible military confrontation between the two NATO allies over Cyprus would spread chaos in NATO’s southern flank, says the report. It also offers recommendations for arms control, confidence-building and mediation between the two nominal allies.

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