CYPRUS: France and Russia call for quick resumption of peace talks

In their messages for Cyprus Independence Day, France and Russia gave support for stalled reunification talks to get back on track sooner rather than later while backing the island as a key partner in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his hope for the resumption of Cyprus peace talks “as soon as possible”, in a congratulatory message to President Nicos Anastasiades to mark Independence Day, celebrated on 1 October.

In his message Macron said that “our long and rich cooperation will be further enhanced during this year in all matters of common interest as part of the strategic agenda which unites us”.

“France supports a just, comprehensive and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, in line with the agreed principles of the United Nations and compatible with the acquis communautaire, so that all Cypriots can finally find a way to live together in a reunited island.”

“As an EU member, as a Security Council permanent member, I put France in the parties’ disposal for the resumption of the peace process,” Macron concluded in his message.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said a comprehensive settlement “would meet in full the interests of strengthening security and stability in Europe and in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Putin said, “relations between Russia and Cyprus, based on good traditions of friendship as well as cultural and spiritual affinity, are highly esteemed in our country.”

“I am confident that by our joint efforts we will ensure further enhancement of constructive bilateral cooperation in various fields.”

Peace talks have been limbo since an UN-backed Cyprus summit in Switzerland collapsed in July 2017.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third in response to a Greek-engineered coup in Nicosia seeking union with Greece.