Statement of the US Vice-President Mr Joe Biden
on his
arrival at the Larnaca
Airport
Thank you for coming to greet Jill
and me personally.
I have been looking forward to this visit for a long
time. Ever since I was elected to the US Senate way back in 1973. It's great to
finally be here in Cyprus and I am told I am the first US Vice President to be
in Cyprus since Vice President Lyndon Johnson visited this beautiful
island.
I came here at the invitation of
your President and the Government of the
Republic of Cyprus. And I wanted to come to primarily underscore the value the
US attaches to our growing cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. This
relationship is now a genuine strategic partnership. And it holds even greater
promise, Mr. Minister.
I look forward to sitting down tomorrow with the
President to discuss a shared agenda. Cyprus' growing leadership in the eastern
Mediterranean. Cyprus' support for the mission to eliminate chemical weapons
from Syria and help prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Its role in
Europe and in the regional energy security. And our continued cooperation on
search and rescue, crisis response and counter-terrorism. There is much to
discuss. And tomorrow the President and I will discuss events in Ukraine. We
have to be resolute and united in the face of Russian intervention.
Also I know that the Cypriot people have faced tough
economic challenges and have already made painful sacrifices. I have been
pleased to see the government make good on the progress of economic reform. I
believe the economy is beginning to turn a corner and we look forward to work
with you to deepen our trade involvement and restore growth and prosperity.
Of course, an important focus of our conversations will
be the settlement process. I look forward to meeting with the leaders of both
communities, the leader of the Greek Cypriot community tomorrow and the leader
of the Turkish Cypriot community the following day.
The US, I want to be clear about this, recognises only
one legitimate Government of the Republic of Cyprus. And my visit and meetings
throughout the island, will not change that. It is my personal position, it is
the position of the United States of America and it is the position of the
entire world, save one country.
It is long past time, 40 years, that all Cypriots are
reunited, in a bizonal, bicommunal federation. I have been encouraged by the
steps that have recently been taken. The joint declaration on February 11, the
visit of the Greek Cypriot negotiator in Ankara and of the Turkish Cypriot
negotiator to Athens. Support from the international community and the
seriousness of purpose we have seen in this process so far. After so many rounds
of talks, and so many years of stalemate, it's legitimate to ask a question
whether this time can be any different.
When I think of that question, I am reminded of the
words of my friend and former colleague in the US, George Mitchell, the US envoy
to Northern Ireland who said “we had 700 days of failure, and one day of
success” referring to his mission to Northern Ireland. Peace is always possible.
But it requires engagement not just from leaders but from citizens. In that
respect, I am encouraged to hear of the joint initiative from Cypriot political,
civic and business leaders. Historic religious services and dialogue and the
restoration of sacred sites throughout the island.
Now I have heard that the local press assumes I am
coming with a plan for peace in my back pocket to solve the Cyprus problem. I
would like to put that rumour to rest. I came here on behalf of the US to help
you get a solution, not to present or impose one. Many of you know that I have
been personally following events in Cyprus for more than 40 years, long enough
to know that only Cypriots can decide on a vision for your future, and only
Cypriots can exercise the courage necessary to make that vision real. Imagine
what can happen if you make sure that this time is different. That this time a
solution is reached. It would mean incredibly greater prosperity, greater
security, and a future of limitless possibilities for a generation free from the
straight jacket that decades of division have imposed upon this island. This
island can and should be the bedrock of stability and opportunity for Europe and
Eastern Mediterranean.
The story of the 20th century in Europe was
one where barriers fell and peace and prosperity rose up in their place. That
can and should happen on this beautiful island. I have travelled to Cyprus today
because I believe this time can be different. Whether it will depends on the
people of this island. But my wife and I look forward to seeing as much as we
can of your beautiful island, Mr Minister, and to meet as many Cypriots as we
can. And again, to gain a better appreciation for their lives and their hopes.
So let me end where I began. Thanking President Anastasiades for his cooperation
and for his efforts to help build a genuine strategic partnership with the US. A
partnership between our countries that holds even greater promise in the future.
Thank you for greeting me and good
night.
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