The key to a solution of the Cyprus issue lies with Ankara but also EU member states since Turkey is an EU candidate, stated Dr. Dietmar Bartsch member of Germany`s The Left Party.

Dr. Bartsch, together with Heinz-Joachim Barchmann (MP, Social Democratic Party), currently in Cyprus, were received Thursday by House of Representatives President Yiannakis Omirou.

Welcoming the members of the German Bundestag, Omirou praised the relations between the two parliaments which have intensified in the last years. He said he would like to further promote these relations thorugh a more frequent exchange of visits.

Omirou informed the delegation on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, noting that Turkey`s provocative stance towards Cyprus` sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone does not leave much room for a resumption of the dialogue for a Cyprus solution.

Dr Bartsch  described the relations between the two parliaments as excellent and agreed with Omirou that there should be more visits at all levels.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, he said that he closely monitors efforts for a Cyprus settlement. He expressed the view that the key to a solution lies with Ankara and EU member states since Turkey is a candidate state.

The two sides discussed the economic situation in Cyprus and other Eurozone states and agreed that that the EU`s economic policy should be replaced with policies which favour development and prosperity. The two also agreed to make more efforts to renew cooperation in the economic and trade fields.