Australia only recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as the legal government of Cyprus and supports UN efforts for solution to the Cyprus problem, Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has said.
According to Athens News Agency, Rudd outlined this position speaking during a forum organized by the Labour Member of the Parliament Steve Georganas in Adelaide.

Replying to a question on Cyprus, Rudd stated that Australia only recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as the legal government of Cyprus. He added that his country supports UN efforts and encourages the two sides in Cyprus to work for a just and viable solution.

Australia maintains a contingent in Cyprus since 1964 (serving with the UN peace-keeping force) and will continue to provide it as long as necessary, he concluded.

UN-led peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunify the country, divided since Turkish invasion in 1974, under a federal roof. The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus met on October 30-31, at Greentree, Long Island, with the UN Secretary General, in an effort to make headway towards a political settlement. The UN peace-keeping force (UNFICYP) arrived on the island in March 1964 after intercommunal fighting broke out. It is one of the longest-serving UN peace-keeping forces.