The issues of missing persons, religious freedom and the negotiations for a Cyprus settlement were inter alia the focus of the meeting between Amanda Sloat, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southern Europe and Eastern Mediterranean Affairs at the State Department and Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou.
An official statement said Photiou, who is in Washington to represent the government at the 31st annual PSEKA conference, is holding meetings with US officials and members of overseas Cypriots.
During his meeting with Sloat, the issues pertaining to US-Cyprus relations were also discussed.
Informing Sloat on the obstacles faced by the Greek Cypriot side in ascertaining the fate of the missing, Photiou said these are due to the occupation forces` unwillingness to cooperate and provide information and not allowing access in so called military zones.
The US side, said the statement, conveyed its support and readiness to promote the issue and all aspects involving the missing persons.
Regarding the need to respect religious freedom in the occupied areas, the Presidential Commissioner explained the seriousness and extent of the continued violations and called for US support in putting an end to these violations.
Sloat also expressed the US administration’s support in the resumption of the negotiating procedure and the hope that this effort will lead to a viable and functional solution, reuniting institutions, the economy and the people.