According to illegal Bayrak television (14.07.12) the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Gordon met yesterday (13.07.12) with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.

Speaking at a press conference in the buffer zone to evaluate his contacts on both sides of the island, Gordon said that the US continues to support a solution to the Cyprus problem, noting that a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation will benefit both parties in Cyprus.

Asked whether the US was in favour of putting deadlines on the negotiations process, Gordon said: “the deadline is now but we can’t impose any artificial deadlines on the sides involved” he replied.

“We regret that not enough progress has been achieved over the past few years. A settlement in Cyprus will contribute to regional stability and prosperity” he was quoted as saying.

On the issue of natural gas exploration, Philip Gordon emphasized the view that the discovery and sharing of natural gas should facilitate a comprehensive settlement and become part of a political agreement.

“The discovery of natural gas is a win-win situation. I call on all parties involved in the exploration to work to make the issue part of a settlement. Works on energy require political compromises. The issue of natural gas should be used to serve a solution and in a sense there is a certain deadline to that process” Gordon said.