President of the EU CoR supports solution of the Cyprus problem

President of the EU Committee of Regions (CoR), Luc Van den Brande, wished here Monday that a solution will be achieved in the Cyprus problem the soonest possible and the reunification of the island and its people will become a reality.

Van den Brande who is paying a visit to Cyprus at the invitation of Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou, was received today by President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian who informed him on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue.

According to an official announcement, Garoyian said the basic goal of the Greek-Cypriot side is a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem according to the relative resolutions of United Nations, based on the principles and values of the international law and the EU, protecting the human rights of all Cypriots.

House President expressed pessimism about the progress of the ongoing negotiations between the leaders of the two communities, adding that Turkey submits intransigent and maximalist positions regarding the Cyprus issue.

President Christofias and T/C leader Mehmet Ali Talat began on September 3 direct negotiations with a view to reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. The two leaders will meet again this week.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.