Armenia always supports Cyprus, says Armenian President

Armenia has always supported Cyprus in the international organizations and sincerely wishes to see the Cyprus issue resolved in a way which is most preferable for Cyprus, stated here tonight President of Armenia Robert Kocharian.
“Turkey cannot pave its way to Europe without establishing normal relations with its immediate neighbours”, the Armenian President told an official dinner given in his honour by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
An EU member-state Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.
Kocharian said the inclusion of his country in the European Neighbourhood Policy is of great importance. “It shall raise our relations with the European Union to a qualitatively new level. Armenia strives to fully utilize the possibilities provided by this European initiative,’’ the Armenian President noted.
He added his country attaches great significance to the establishment of good friendly relations with its neighbour, as well as to the regional cooperation.
Kocharian said unresolved conflicts hamper the process of natural development of the South Caucasus. “We are committed to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, which must be based on the principles of self-determination of peoples and on the international recognition of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic,” he noted.
The Armenian President said in recent years Cyprus has registered impressive achievements. “The country’s membership of the European Union is of historic significance. Your experience in incorporating European standards as well as in strengthening the banking system, and developing tourism is of interest to us”, he told the Cypriot President.
He remarked that the Armenian community in Cyprus is among the oldest in Europe, adding that that Armenians are not only actively participating in the social and economic life of the country but have also struggled together with the Greek Cypriot people against foreign conquerors. They also bring their important contribution to the strengthening of Armenian – Cypriot relations, the President of Armenia concluded.