The US strongly agrees with the leaders in Cyprus that a just and lasting solution for Cyprus will not only have an enormously positive impact on the island, it will lift up the entire region, US Secretary of State John Kerry stressed on Thursday.
Kerry, who paid an official visit to the island, made a statement to the press after concluding his contacts, saying that the US is committed and will remain committed to Cyprus and its people and will continue to support its leaders.
“I have closely followed the challenges on this island for literally decades. It has been a priority for me and for President Obama, for President Obama before, but for me since I became Secretary of State. The US is focused on this and has been focused on this at the highest levels. From Assistant Secretary Victoria Nuland`s extensive engagement, her trips here, to Vice President Biden`s visit last year, to my many meetings with the leaders of both communities in New York in September and elsewhere and to a number of continued phone calls encouraging progress in the process of trying to bring about peace,” he said.
Kerry noted that in recent months its has become clear that “the ground really is shifting and tangible progress has been made” and said that he is more convinced than ever that a resolution to the long standing division of Cyprus is within reach and with it the many benefits of unity for all the people of the island.
“It doesn’t mean it will happen automatically, it will be difficult. But it can be done,” he pointed out.
Referring to his meetings, he said that they “really reinforced that conviction” adding that “I met with President Anastasiades to discuss cooperation on regional threats but also the prospects for a settlement and separately met with Mr Akinci who shared his views on the settlement process”.
He also said that “this evening I will have dinner with both leaders along with my friend Espen Barth Eide who has worked diligently on behalf of the UN to support this process”.
“I` ve been impressed already today both by Nicos and Mustafa who are working really hard for peace and making the tough and creative compromises that this moment demands. They absolutely deserve our support and the support of all the Cypriots. Both leaders underscored something that we strongly believe in the US, not only will a just and comprehensive and lasting solution for Cyprus have an enormously positive impact on the island, it will lift up the entire region,” he underlined.
The US Secretary of Stage noted that a lasting settlement will bring opportunities for economic growth and development all across the island, it will attract foreign investment and that with a lasting settlement to the decades long conflict Cyprus could also become a regional energy and commercial hub.
“A united Cyprus will stand as a beacon of hope in a tumultuous part of the world at a time when people need that beacon. It will be a model for other places in search of a peaceful multi-ethnic future,” he pointed out.
Kerry said that “all you have to do is look in any direction from here and you can appreciate how much the world could use an island of peace, harmony and prosperity in the Mediterranean right now. That is why the international community has a responsibility to help support a settlement. It is not a burden that Cypriots should or even could shoulder alone”.
He said that during his meetings in Cyprus he made clear that the US is strongly supportive of the UN facilitated Cypriot led settlement process to reunify Cyprus as a bizonal bicommunal federation. “I can assure you that the US will do our part to ensure that it is implemented including through technical and financial assistance,” he stressed.
Kerry said he fully understands how difficult is for the people of Cyprus to put the differences of the past aside, adding “yes we must respect the past but our focus must be on what we can change, not be prisoners of the past. Our focus needs to be on the future. And today I witnessed that desire for change first hand and I have seen a real passion for peace”.
He also referred to a youth basketball practice game of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
“I just came from a youth basketball practice game not far from here and the group is called Peace Players. Young Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots shooting hoops together. The fact is that no one has more to gain from a lasting settlement than the young people of this island. And with peace someday that very group of kids may be building businesses together, opening joint NGOs or even leading this island together,” he said.
Concluding, the US Secretary of State said that “my message today is very simple. The US is committed and will remain committed to Cyprus and its people and we will continue to support its leaders as they make the most of this moment as they work towards a settlement and pursue a better future for the island, we believe this is Cyprus’ moment and we are confident that it can be”.
