Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou met Monday US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, whom he briefed on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue.
During the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Kyprianou and Fried also discussed bilateral issues and the situation in Georgia.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Kyprianou said he briefed the US official about the UN – led peace process, which began early September between Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, with a view to reunify Cyprus, divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974.
Referring to the US, the Cypriot Foreign Minister said that Washington shows great interest in the new Cyprus process, and supports a solution of the Cyprus problem based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
“The US want to see the reunification of Cyprus and they are ready, if need be, to contribute to the effort. At this stage, they accept and recognize that this is a process between the two sides in Cyprus”, he said.
Replying to questions regarding progress in the Cyprus talks, Kyprianou referred to the chapter of governance, which has been discussed during the first two substantive meetings between the leaders, saying that in some areas there is convergence of views, while some other issues are still pending.
Kyprianou said that the US encourage the Turkish side to contribute to the solution effort.
“Yes, I believe so, because as I have said, they expressed the position that they want to see a solution of the problem, they want to see a solution that would reunify the island, they see the benefits which all sides could enjoy when there is a positive outcome of the talks and for this reason they will contribute towards all directions”, he said.
He added that the Cypriot side expects from the US to follow the Cyprus process and encourage the Turkish side to show a constructive stance.
Regarding the possibility that the US appoint a State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Kyprianou said that this is a possible initiative that could be undertaken by the US, but added that “at this stage we do not expect such an appointment, but if it could contribute to the process, then they would proceed with it”.
Asked whether the pre-election period in the US could affect the Cyprus process, Kyprianou said that informing the US State Department is important, regardless of who might be elected President.
The Cypriot FM also referred to the meetings he held with his counterparts from Kuwait and Croatia, as well as with UN Undersecretary General for peace operations with whom he discussed issues concerning the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
“Kuwait is a friendly country and our political and economic relations are very important”, he said, adding that Cyprus has also friendly relations with Croatia and supports its accession to the EU.
