President hopes Europeans to assist efforts to solve Cyprus problem

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias said on Monday that the wall dividing Nicosia still stands, a fact the Europeans are aware of, and expressed hope that the Europeans would assist efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and reunite the island.

Speaking at Larnaca Airport before departing for Berlin, where he will attend celebrations to mark the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, President Christofias said Germany was divided after World War II and the victory of the allied forces, while Cyprus has been divided for 35 years due to the Turkish invasion.

President Christofias said Europe could contribute to efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and the ongoing talks between the leaders of the two communities, so that an agreement could be reached for a bizonal bicommunal federation in line with international and European law.

Replying to questions, President Christofias said there would be no time for meetings with heads of state and government in Berlin, due to the busy schedule of the guests, adding that after Berlin he would be flying to London at the invitation of Prime Minister Gordon Brown to discuss the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.