GREECE REAFFIRMS DEFENSE ALLIANCE WITH CYPRUS

ATHENS [MENL] -- Greece has reaffirmed its alliance with the Republic ofCyprus amid Turkish threats to annex the northern portion of the island. Officials said the Greek-dominated Cypriot government appealed for Greekmilitary support amid what they expect will be rising tensions over the nextsix weeks. On Dec. 22, the European Union is expected to decide whetherto accept the Republic of Cyprus as a member. Turkey has warned that EUmembership to Nicosia would spark a strong response, which could include theannexation of the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.