Ioannis Kasoulidhis

Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulidhis has denied Turkish newspaper reports that his government is planning to purchase 40 attack helicopters form Russia.

Mr. Kasoulidhis on Tuesday told reporters in Istanbul the reports are merely rumors. He is in Istanbul for the European and Islamic ministers' meeting.

Cyprus has been divided into a Turkish-Cypriot north and a Greek-Cypriot south since Turkish troops invaded in 1974 after a Greek-backed coup.

Rauf Denktas

Mr. Kasoulidhis also criticized Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas for insisting that two states be established on the island as a loose confederation instead of the unified island that Greek Cypriots demand.

Mr. Kasoulidhis said he would like to hold face-to-face talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem to reduce misunderstandings between them.

Mr. Cem's office says no such meeting has been formally requested.

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