US President Barack Obama and Greece`s newly-elected Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras agreed on the importance of working with Turkey to bring about a successful resolution to the settlement talks on Cyprus.
President Obama spoke by phone with Prime Minister Tsipras to congratulate him on his party’s success in the September 20 elections.
A White House readout said “President Obama noted that the United States looks forward to working with the new Greek government as it takes steps to implement needed reforms, return to growth, and achieve debt sustainability within the Eurozone, including through agreement on debt relief with its creditors.
He also pledged U.S. solidarity with Greece and the European Union in their response to the extraordinary surge in refugees and migrants, and reiterated the U.S. commitment to helping Syrians and others in need of humanitarian relief.
“The two leaders agreed on the importance of working with Turkey on these challenges, including efforts to bring about a successful resolution to the settlement talks on Cyprus”, the White House press release concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. UN-backed talks between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities began last May with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.