US presidential candidates pledge to strive for Cyprus settlement

by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

Washington (CNA) – The three candidates for the US presidency, senators Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, appeared very supportive of Greece and the Greek principles and ideals, and assured the Greek Cypriot community they would strive for a different policy on behalf of the US Administration on the Cyprus problem.

Speaking at the 23rd Congress of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC) and the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH), the candidates criticized the foreign policy followed by President George Bush.

Biden warned the Greek Cypriots in the US not to expect too much from the rest of Bush’s term in office and criticized Turkish reactions to agreements signed by Cyprus with Lebanon and Egypt regarding oil deposits in the island’s exclusive economic zone.

He furthermore expressed regret that, despite long-standing efforts, the situation in Cyprus continues to exist.

Clinton referred to her close ties with the Greek American community and promised to give special attention to the Cyprus problem.

She criticized Bush’s administration for not making efforts in this direction and noted that difficult problems cannot be solved by abandoning them.

Obama said the US relied on Cyprus during hard times, such as the fight against terrorism and the crisis in Lebanon, and should strive for a Cyprus settlement, which would be mutually accepted and be based on international law, UN resolutions and EU principles.

Among the speakers at the Congress were representatives of organizations, such as US coordinator for the World Council of Hellenes Abroad Theodor Spyropoulos, PSEKA President Philip Christopher, UHAC Chairman Andrew Athens, and representatives of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and the Pan-Macedonian Association.

On Thursday, PSEKA delegates exchanged views with members of the US Congress and Senate.

The Congress wraps up its works on Friday.