French parliamentarians reiterate their support towards a Cyprus solution

France and its parliamentarians will continue to support negotiations to end the occupation of Cyprus from troops and reunite the island, said Chairman of the Cyprus – France Friendship Gropup Didier Marie.

He was speaking after a meeting with a delegation of the House Foreign Affairs and EU Affairs Committee chaired by Averof Neofytou who stressed the long-standing good relations between the two countries. He also said he hoped these relations will be strengthened with the finding of oil during the exploration and that the French company Total is undertaking in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone.

Neofytou said France is a very friendly country which supported Cyprus` efforts to enter the EU and as a permanent member of the Security Council has maintained positions of principle for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

He said the recent findings of hydrocarbon reserves in Cyprus` EEZ and the participation of Total in the exploration are an excellent opportunity to further strengthen relations beyond political, economic and cultural ties.

Speaking through an interpreter, Marie assured that the excellent relations between the two countries will continue. He said the group`s visit is taking place at a special time as we are celebrating Cyprus` tenth anniversary since its accession to the EU.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, he said they acknowledge that the procedure is long but the first steps are positive including the last meeting that was held on Tuesday. He said the delegation will convey to the French authorities the meaning of the negotiations and assured that his country will continue to support the efforts through the negotiations underway to end the occupation from the troops and reunite the country.

Marie said they also discussed the economic situation in Europe and Cyprus and acknowledged Cyprus` efforts to improve the situation.

What is necessary, he added, is to redefine the European economic policy and the May 25 Euro elections will help towards this.