A State Department Spokesperson has reiterated US support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus and has welcomed UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres` efforts to facilitate the relaunch of political discussions.

The United States continues “to support a Cypriot-led comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, which would benefit all Cypriots as well as the wider region,” a State Department Spokesperson said when asked to comment on statements by Turkey`s President Tayyip Erdogan in support of a two state solution in the island.

The official added that “we welcome the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to facilitate the relaunch of political discussions.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The latest UN backed round of talks took place in 2017, n the Swiss resort of Crans Montana, but failed to yield any results.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said in his most recent report on his Good Offices Mission that he intends to invite the sides and the guarantor powers to the informal meeting as soon as practicable in 2021.