President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has called on the Holy See and Pope Benedict XVI to intensify their solidarity with and support towards Cyprus.
Speaking on the sidelines of his official visit to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, President Christofias said the Pope was interested in the Cyprus problem and the destruction of the cultural and religious heritage of Cyprus.
According to an official announcement, the President said he briefed the Pontiff on the Cyprus problem and the representations and struggles of the people.
He added that Pope Benedict XVI was also interested in the situation in the Middle East and Christianity in the region, noting that he offered on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus to mediate, if necessary, in the direction of the Syrian side to receive a Holy See delegation.
President Christofias also said that the Pope promised that more meetings would be organised in Cyprus, because he considered the island to be the southernmost border of Christianity in the region.
He noted that he explained the role Turkey plays by sending settlers to Cyprus’ occupied areas and pointed out that “the Turkish Cypriots are Cypriots and deplore the illegal influx of Turkish settlers and react against their presence and the occupation.”
“Of course, I requested the intensification of the already given solidarity and support of the Holy See and the Pope personally to Cyprus,” he said.
President Christofias said they also discussed the financial crisis and noted that the Holy See was against poverty and social exclusion, and in favour of social justice.
UN-led led efforts, over the years, to reunite Cyprus, divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third, have so far failed to produce a negotiated settlement.