The president of Cyprus said he was canceling plans to deploy Russian-made missiles on the island nation in a reversal likely to reduce tensions with Turkey, which had threatened military

action to block the deployment. President Glafcos Clerides’ decision was announced after a meeting of the Greek Cypriots’ policymaking National Council, made up of political party leaders.

Other Greek Cypriot leaders have insisted that the S-300 antiaircraft missiles be deployed to counter Turkey’s defense of the Turkish Cypriot northern part of the divided island. The

decision could affect the survival of Clerides’ government. MORE TO READ