Russia's stand on Cyprus issue remains the same

Russian Ambassador in Nicosia Stanislav Osadchiy has reiterated that Russia`s position on the Cyprus issue remains the same.

He was speaking after a meeting he had with Social Democratic party EDEK President Yiannakis Omirou.

Referring to the situation in Crimea Osadchiy said that there was no annexation but rather a reunification of Crimea with Russia, underlining that Russia is now worried over the possibility of the far right coming to power in the Ukraine, something which would threaten peace in Europe.

Referring to the Cyprus issue he said that Russia supported and will continue to support in future a solution in the Cyprus issue to the mutual benefit of all Cypriots. This remains our position on the Cyprus issue, he added.

Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu reached on February 11 an agreement, paving the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks, which aim to reunite the country under a federal roof.

On his part Omirou thanked Osadchiy for Russia`s support throughout the years, noting that Cypriots will not forget who stood by them.

Referring to recent developments in the Ukraine he said that what happened in Crimea bears no relations to the Cyprus issue.

There are no similarities he said, recalling that in Cyprus there was an effort in ethnic cleansing via the Turkish invasion and a forcible population exchange, an international crime. In Crimea, he added, a large majority of the people, of Russian descent, decided for its reunification with Russia.