The EU stands ready to provide all the advice and support possible to find a solution, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has said.
Van Rompuy's remarks came as Cyprus President Demetris Christofias requested from the EU President the assistance of the EU to the ongoing efforts to bring about a solution to the Cyprus problem.
The EU President, who visited Cyprus in the framework of the preparation of the Informal EU Summit in February, had a working lunch with President Christofias who briefed him on the latest developments regarding the UN-led talks for a Cyprus settlement, as well as the recent proposals submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side at the negotiating table which have been branded by the Greek Cypriot side as ''unacceptable'' and as ''way off the agreed basis'' for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
''I asked Mr Van Rompuy the EU to support the Republic of Cyprus in its effort (for a solution), pointing out that the content of the solution should respect the human rights and be based on the acquis communautaire, the principles and values of the EU,'' Christofias said during a press conference with Van Rompuy, here today.
President Christofias reiterated the Greek Cypriot side's will for the finding of a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem as soon as possible on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
''The basis to which I am referring to is that of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions for a single state a single sovereignty, one international personality and one nationality,'' Christofias pointed out.
He also noted that ''we have the will and patience to continue this effort,'' pointing out however that ''a possible effort to impose timeframes and pressures will not contribute to the achievement of a solution, but on the contrary will lead to the opposite result.''
In his remarks, Van Rompuy said that the settlement of the Cyprus issue is important for the European Union as well, as ''it is about ending divisions in Europe and about stability in the region.''
''A comprehensive, just and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, would not only allow unification of Cyprus but also send a strong positive signal to the whole region,'' he added.
Van Rompuy commended the leaders of the two communities ''on the island for the framework they have established in the talks, and for their courageous efforts and strong and unabated commitment to work towards a solution.''
Recalling his personal experience, as former Prime Minister of Belgium, Van Rompuy said he is aware of ''how challenging it is to overcome the divisions of the past and build a new common future.''
''We are fully aware that difficult issues are being discussed, but the expectation is high. We are convinced that all involved will take up their responsibilities in order to achieve the goal of reunification. The time is now ripe for courageous and forward-looking decisions for the benefit of all Cypriots,'' he underlined.
Noting that the negotiations take place under the auspices of the United Nations and are Cypriot led, Van Rompuy added that the EU is following the process very attentively, and recalled ''our readiness to provide all the advice and support possible to find a solution.''
President Christofias and Van Rompuy also discussed issues concerning the financial crisis, climate change, asylum and illegal immigration and the future of Europe.
Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began UN-led direct negotiations with a view to achieve a solution to the problem of Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. After two rounds of talks, they held the first round of three-day intensive negotiations followed by a new round of intensive talks on January 25,26 and 27.
