The government of Cyprus has welcomed the statements made by US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, responsible for Cyprus, Eric Rubin, on the Cyprus issue.
Acting Government Spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos said Wednesday that Rubin’s remarks at the 29th Annual Cyprus and Hellenic Leadership Conference, which opened Tuesday in Washington, are welcomed by the government of Cyprus.
“We note Mr Rubin’s reference that the U.S. will support Cyprus in addressing the difficulties due to the economic crisis as well as his reference that the US wish for the immediate strengthening of ties with Cyprus”, he pointed out.
Papadopoulos described as a positive development the fact the US official said that the status quo in Cyprus is unjust and should be terminated, that it would not be wise to bring back the Annan plan to the negotiating table and that the key for a solution in Cyprus is not what Turkey states, but rather how Turkey acts.
He further said that the government notes Rubin’s statement that during the recent visit of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan in Washington, US President Barack Obama held a “deep and thorough discussion” with Erdogan.
“It is also a positive element that the US official expressed his country’s support towards Nicosia’s proposal as regards Famagusta”, the Acting Government Spokesman concluded.
The Republic of Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and since then occupy 37% of Cyprus` territory, despite numerous resolutions and decisions by the UN, the EU and other international organisations, calling for Turkey`s withdrawal from Cyprus.
