An independent state does not need guarantees in today`s world, Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Stanislav Osadchiy has said, noting that Cypriots themselves must solve issues of guarantees, security and the territory, without any foreign interventions.

In statements in the framework of a business meeting organized in Limassol on the occasion of a visit by a Saint Petersburg government delegation, Osadchiy said that Russia is in constant contact with the Republic of Cyprus and supports the efforts for a Cyprus settlement, expressing hope that they will shortly bear fruit.

Invited to outline his country`s stance on the issues relating to territory and guarantees, the Russian Ambassador said that they must be solved by Cypriots themselves and this is the most important thing, without any foreign interventions.

He said that what is accepted by Cypriots is also accepted by Russia “and this is our steadfast position.”

As regards the issue of guarantees, the Russian Ambassador noted that this concerns security in the region as well “and I think that in the contemporary world, its is not so contemporary for a fully independent state to have guarantees from other countries.”

Furthermore he noted that “if Cypriots want Security Council guarantees, this is ok with us, but you must chose what you want.”

Referring to Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides` visit to Russia for a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Osadchiy said that they will discuss the Cyprus problem and bilateral relations, adding that Lavrov is fully informed about the Cyprus problem “and at this phase it is very important for us and for you to state once again Russia`s support to a Cyprus settlement.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May last year, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.