US Congressman supports decision for Cyprus talks

US Congressman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Robert Wexler has expressed his support for the decision of President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to begin negotiations on September 3 for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

''I want to express my strong support for the bold decision taken by Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to start negotiations on September 3 under the good offices of the UN Secretary General,'' he said.

He added that ''it is critical at this juncture that the Bush Administration, along with the EU, the UN, Greece and Turkey, continues to support this process of Cypriot leaders, working to find a mutually acceptable solution that ensures a better future for Greek and Turkish Cypriots.''

''I applaud President Christofias and Mr. Talat, who have displayed leadership and courage in working towards a viable solution that will hopefully lead to a bizonal, bicommunal federation of Cyprus,'' he concluded.

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, decided on July 25 to start full-fledged negotiations on September 3rd, with a view to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.