The latest developments in the Cyprus problem, regional issues in the Southeastern Mediterranean, Cyprus-US bilateral ties, Nicosia’s role in combating terrorism and energy concerns were on the agenda of a meeting Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides had on Monday at the State Department with Under Secretary for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon, in the presence of Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Jonathan Cohen.
A diplomatic source has told CNA that referring to the Cyprus problem, Shannon expressed US readiness to offer its help towards the resumption of the Cyprus talks and their successful completion.
In statements to the press, Kasoulides said that Shannon heard with particular interest what he had to say with regard to the assistance Cyprus offers to the US in the fight against terrorism and regional asymmetric threats, underlining the role which the island plays in the Eastern Mediterranean.
During the meeting, the Foreign Minister explained the reasons the Cyprus talks are suspended, outlined the Greek Cypriot side`s positions on the chapter of security, referred to Turkish demands relating to EU matters and to ways a settlement could function.
“We have offered them (Turkish Cypriots) participation in the country`s governance, with political equality, in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation and what they (the Turkish side) have to offer us is the withdrawal of their troops as part of a settlement,” he said.
Furthermore, Kasoulides expressed to Shannon Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades` readiness for the resumption of the talks and stressed the need to encourage Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to return to the negotiating table.
He also referred to US potential for investments in Cyprus in fields beyond energy, in which they already do business.
Kasoulides and Shannon discussed issues related to hydrocarbons and energy prospects in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone.
Shannon accepted an invitation to visit Cyprus in the coming months.
According to US sources, Shannon will accompany US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during his visit to Ankara at the end of March and will come back to the region in April.
Kasoulides will attend on Tuesday and on Wednesday a ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to counter ISIL organised by Tillerson at the State department, with the participation of 68 states and international organisations which are members of the Coalition.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN led talks between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities resumed in May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
The talks were interrupted in mid February by the Turkish Cypriot side, which demands that a decision passed by the Cypriot Parliament relating to a 1950 referendum on union with Greece is revoked, claiming this indicates a shift in the Greek Cypriot side`s goal for a federal solution. The amendment provides that there will be a very brief reference to the referendum at schools.
President Anastasiades has described the House decision as wrong and called on the leader of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, who walked out of the talks, to return to the negotiating table to discuss pending issues with a view to reach a mutually acceptable agreement to reunite the country.
