US President Donald Trump has told Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in a letter of congratulations on the occasion of Cyprus Independence Day that his country continues to support the Republic of Cyprus in its efforts to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
According to a presidency press release, in his letter, Trump notes that the United States’ relationship with the Republic of Cyprus is “stronger than ever, and we continue to deepen our coordination across a range of issues including energy, counter terrorism, security cooperation and regional stability.”
The United States, he notes, “continues to support the Republic of Cyprus in its efforts to reunify the island as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.”
“We believe that such an achievement is the best chance for the people of Cyprus to have lasting peace. As we mark this important day,” he adds.
Greece`s President conveys steadfast support in reunification efforts
————–
Ιn his message, Greece`s President Prokopis Pavlopoulos also expresses his country`s “steadfast support” to the efforts to reunify the island.
A reunification, he points out, “that can be achieved in the context of a just and mutually acceptable solution, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal and viable federation in accordance with UN relevant decisions and in full harmony with the European acquis and Cyprus` status as an EU member and the eurozone hard core.”.
Pavlopoulos continues noting that the conditions for the above to achieved would be for the Turkish occupying troops to withdraw from the island and for the anachronistic system of guarantees and of intervention rights of third countries to be abolished.
Unfortunately, he says, in recent times, the Republic of Cyprus is faced with a continued violation of its sovereignty and her sovereign rights are questioned in its martime zones, in violation of international law. In the face of these illegal actions Greece`s President notes, Cyprus and Greece jointly put forward “all legal European and international peaceful means.”
In his message of congratulations, Russia` s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expresses his conviction that “further enhancing our cooperation in the areas of economy, commerce and investments, as well as implementing our common projects in the sector of industry, infrastructure, science, culture and others, is in the interest of both countries.”
President Anastasiades has also received messages of congratulations by tens of heads of government or state, among others, from Germany`s President, Italy`s President, the King of Sweden, Poland`s President, Estonia`s President, Hungary`s President, Croatia`s President, Jordan`s President, Egypt`s President, Oman`s Sultan, Canada`s Governor General, Switzerland`s President and Nepal`s President, the presidency press release says.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The last round of negotiations, in the summer of 2017, at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
