US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed hope for “real and lasting progress” in the Cyprus issue in 2015.
In statements with Turkey`s Foreign Minister Cavusoglu, before their meeting at the State Department, Kerry said that Cyprus would be part of their talks.
The United States and Turkey both support the UN lead negotiations to reunify the island as a bizonal bicommunal federation, Kerry noted.
He added that the problem “just goes on for far too long and it is begging for international efforts to try to help bring about a resolution, a lasting settlement”.
Kerry said that he has discussed the issue at length with Cavusloglu`s predecessor, and now Turkey`s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
“We believe that the parties can make real and lasting progress in the year 2015. And that will be very positive for the region and obviously a terrific boost and opportunity for a better life for all Cypriots” the US Secretary of State noted.
Cavusoglu said from his part that Cyprus was included in the agenda of his talks with Kerry, along with a series of international issues, including Yemen, Syria, Iraq, ISIS, and the crisis in Ukraine.
He noted that his side aims at reaching a lasting solution in Cyprus this year and referred to comments by UN SG Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide on the possible resumption of settlement talks.
The Turkish Foreign Minister said finally that the role of the US is very important in reaching a lasting and fair solution in Cyprus.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.
President Anastasiades has suspended his participation in the talks following a Navigational Telex or NAVTEX, issued by Turkey in October last year, as Turkish seismic research vessel “Barbaros” violated the Republic’s exclusive economic zone.
Repeated calls for the withdrawal of “Barbaros” went unheeded by Ankara, which announced in January the NAVTEX`s extension until April 6, 2015.
Eide met earlier this month with the leaders in Cyprus and said that the resumption of talks was possible, once “elections” in the Turkish Cypriot community are concluded.
