Press Releases

The Government Spokesman Mr Prodromos Prodromou expressed, today, the government’s satisfaction for the support of the United States of America for a resumption of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem as well as for the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus to explore and exploit its natural resources.

In his remarks to reporters, at the Presidential Palace, following the meeting of the President of the Republic Mr Nicos Anastasiades with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Mr Wess Mitchell, the Spokesman said that “it was an important and constructive meeting with the new Assistant Secretary of State of the United States.

The Cyprus problem was certainly discussed at the meeting. The President of the Republic had the opportunity to reiterate his readiness for the negotiations to continue, and it is with satisfaction that we heard about the support of the US for the negotiating process within the parametres of the United Nations, and we hope that this support will contribute to the continuation of the negotiations, which is also our goal.

Naturally, at the meeting the energy policy and energy program of the Republic of Cyprus were also discussed as part, in fact, of an effort to have our region contribute to the energy balance and energy security of Europe.  

It is with satisfaction that we heard the remarks made by Mr Mitchell, and we must extend our thanks for the reiteration of the support of the US for our sovereign rights and for the right of our country for exploration and exploitation with regard to energy resources.  

Moreover, at the meeting, bilateral issues were discussed as were regional developments since, from the US point of view, Cyprus plays a role in regional security. There was reaffirmation of our will to continue and to strengthen the bilateral relations, and the close cooperation at all levels was also reaffirmed.

It is positive and significant that with this visit, which is the first by the Assistant Secretary of State since he assumed office, comes the message that the US will have an active role in the region. And we precisely look forward for this relationship, which the President of the Republic has revitalized and upgraded during the last years, to be productive, and that it will also be able to yield results for the dialogue, for finding a solution, for peace in the region and for the peaceful utilization of the wealth of our country for all Cypriots.”

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RM/AH/SCH