Current developments in the Cyprus problem, after the intensification of the UN-led  peace talks, were discussed during a meeting between House President Demetris Syllouris and US Democratic New Jersey Senator, Robert Menendez, who holds contacts in Cyprus.

A House press release said that Syllouris underlined the importance which the Greek Cypriot side attributes to the issue of security. In this framework, he said, any solution must safeguard the immediate withdrawal of the occupation army and the abolition of the anachronistic guarantees.

Syllouris briefed Menendez on the work of the parliament and the two men exchanged views on the forthcoming presidential elections in the US, as well as other international issues of mutual interest.

Menendez also had meetings with parliamentary party leaders. Democratic Rally President Averof Neofytou said that the Senator is one of the long-standing supporters of Cyprus and of the struggle to reunite the island. AKEL General Secretary Andros Kyprianou said that they had a constructive meeting, and noted Menendez`s long-standing interest in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

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.