US Ambassador Julie Fisher reaffirmed her country’s firm position in favour of the solution of the Cyprus issue, within the framework of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the commitment of her country to support the efforts to create the conditions that will lead to the resumption of the peace talks. Fisher, who was received Monday by House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou, also agreed to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and take joint initiatives in this direction. A press release issued by the Parliament says that during the meeting, the two sides praised the excellent level of bilateral relations and the upgrading of cooperation between Cyprus and the USA, in key areas of mutual interest. Demetriou and Fisher also expressed the common will to further strengthen these ties, especially at the inter-parliamentary level, through the promotion of contacts. The House Speaker expressed appreciation for the positions of the US regarding the Cyprus problem noting that the Cyprus issue is an outcome of the same violations of international law and human rights by Turkey, as a result of the Turkish invasion and continued occupation of the island, as those committed by Russia in Ukraine. Demetriou underlined that Cyprus adopted a clear position from the start based on these principles, adding that Turkish claims for a “two-state” solution, which would constitute a legitimization of Turkish invasion and occupation, will never be accepted. She said that the Greek Cypriot side remains firmly committed to the goal of resuming the negotiations from where they left off at Crans Montana, in order to reach a solution, within the framework of the UN, on the basis of the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Demetriou noted that achieving a solution that will reunite the country will set a precedent and contribute to the prevalence of peace, security and economic stability and prosperity for the Cypriot people as a whole, but also for the entire Eastern Mediterranean region. She also expressed concern about Turkey’s use of illegal migrants whom are channeled to the Cyprus Republic through the occupied areas. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency