A Cyprus settlement would have profound impact on the island`s economy yielding tangible benefits to all Cypriots, US Ambassador Kathleen Doherty has said.
Speaking to a luncheon on the sidelines of the Economist summit, Doherty referred to the UN-led settlement process, noting the present time is pivotal for Cyprus.
“With the ongoing settlement talks and the commitment and courage of both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot leaders there is a real window of opportunity towards a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement based on a bi-zonal bi-communal federation,” she said, reiterating that her country strongly supports the efforts of the two leaders, their teams and the UN.
“I truly believe that such a settlement would have profound impact on the island`s economy, create more opportunity for attracting investment, for bringing tangible benefits to all Cypriots,” she went on to say.
Recalling that the US have long-believed in an undivided island, the US diplomat noted that her country has provided more than 0.5 billion dollars in the last thirty years in economic support fund, supporting programmes for Cypriot to come together for common issues, such as infrastructure cultural heritage, education, environment and health.
“A settlement would give hope to all who believe that nothing is impossible,” she said referring to the crisis just 200 kilometres away from the Cypriot shores, and the deteriorating situation in Syria has compelled more than 4 million people to flee their homes.
Doherty also referred to the “good things” that are happening in the Cypriot economy, such as the issuance of a €1 billion 10-year bond with a 4.25% average interest rate, as well as the World Bank`s doing business report that showed that Cyprus moved up 13 places in the rankings.
She also referred to the “very promising” hydrocarbon and renewable energy sector and the services associated with them.
