Armenia supports unity of Cyprus

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has expressed to President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias his country's support to the struggle of the people of Cyprus for the restoration of the island's territorial integrity and its unity.

Sargsyan has also expressed hope that negotiations, which begin in early September between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities, would lead to a solution to the benefit of the Cypriots.

President Christofias, who attended a dinner hosted by Sargsyan at a hotel in Beijing, briefed the Armenian President on recent developments in the Cyprus problem and the commencement of direct negotiations early next month, aimed at a comprehensive settlement that will reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

He also referred to the longstanding relationship of friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and Armenia.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have agreed to begin direct talks on September 3, aimed at finding a mutually acceptable settlement.