Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis has wrapped up his meetings in Washington DC, expressing satisfaction and saying they were useful contacts.

Mavroyiannis met with high ranking officials of the American government, members of the Congress and important think tanks.

Speaking to CNA, Mavroyiannis said his contacts took place in the framework of cooperation Nicosia and Washington have established, adding that he briefed his interlocutors on developments in the Cyprus issue and they exchanged views.

Ambassador Mavroyiannis pointed out that at this point the Greek Cypriot side is looking forward to the continuation of the bicommunal talks, should the circumstances allow this to happen.

According to Mavroyiannis, the government`s schedule and planning as regards hydrocarbons explorations should not be affected. He also pointed out that, following Turkey`s provocative actions in the island`s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Cyprus cannot accept that a new status quo is in place and that Turkey or the illegal Turkish Cypriot in the island’s northern Turkish occupied areas have, in any way, acquired any rights.

In his statements the Greek Cypriot negotiator said that there was an understanding from his interlocutors, however he did not go into any further details on that.

Replying to a question, Mavroyiannis said that UNSG Special Envoy Espen Barth Eide is set to travel to Cyprus next week, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Mavroyiannis arrived in DC last Monday and during his stay he held meetings with Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Amanda Sloat, VP Joe Biden`s Adviser Colin Kahl, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Robert Menendez and other members of the Senate.

Turkey, whose troops occupy one third of Cyprus since they invaded in 1974, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004.

Numerous rounds of UN-backed talks to reunite the island under a federal roof have failed to yield results. Recently, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades decided to suspend his participation in the talks, following Turkey`s provocative acts in the island`s exclusive economic zone.

Turkish seismic exploration vessel Barbaros entered Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone in October, a few days after Turkey had issued an illegal maritime order (NAVTEX) for the area.