The government welcomes US interest as well as interest shown by other friendly UN Security Council countries and EU members, Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said here today, noting that there is increased interest in Cyprus.
The objective, he pointed out, is to apply this interest to achieve progress towards a negotiated settlement in the Cyprus issue.
His comments come as Cyprus prepares to welcome US Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
“Biden is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of President Nicos Anastasiades. Planning for the visit has taken place in both Nicosia and Washington,” he said, replying to questions during a visit to the Cyprus News Agency.
He also said that the substance of the visit will be taken into consideration in the effort towards a solution.
He recalled that Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides was in Washington last week to work out the details of the visit. “We are in the last stage of preparations”, the Spokesman explained, adding that concerns expressed in the past several days were due to statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.
“We have assurances from the US government and expect these assurances to be proven into practice. Otherwise, we maintain our right to react according to developments”, he added.
Political parties here have expressed concern that Biden’s meeting with Eroglu may provide the opportunity to the self-styled Turkish Cypriot regime to raise its profile and seek to project its own symbols. The regime, set up unilaterally in Cyprus’ northern Turkish occupied areas, is not recognised by any other state except Turkey.
The Spokesman said that there is increasing interest in Cyprus, adding that the government welcomes US interest as well as the interest of other friendly UN Security Council countries and EU members. “Our aim remains to utilize this international interest to achieve progress in Cyprus and eventually the final solution to the problem”, he added.
US Vice President Joe Biden will visit Cyprus from 21-23.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and since then occupies its northern third. UN-backed talks are underway with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.