Greek and Cypriot officials met earlier in Athens for talks intended to defuse the political crisis over the missiles.

The Cypriot officials made a decision to unload the suspicious cargo of 98 containers from the ship and keep it in Cyprus.

Cypriot officials have denied any knowledge of Mr. Milosevic's use of banks in their country.

Cypriot officials had said they would like the men gone by Wednesday.

A Greek Cypriot official said the talks "are progressing the way two tortoises progress."

Cypriot officials expressed concern about the boat departing from their shores but said they could not prevent it.

Both Greek and Turkish Cypriot officials say the export documents were false.

Cypriot officials have hinted that they may defer or cancel the purchase if serious talks get under way.

Over the next 10 years, Greek Cypriot officials say, the churches were looted of more than 20,000 religious artifacts.

"We're an illegal country," a Turkish Cypriot official said, his voice dripping with sarcasm and resentment.