Written statement by the Government
Spokesman
Mr Nicos Christodoulides
Having evaluated the content of today’s talks and having
taken under consideration the publicly expressed positions of the Vice President
of the U.S., Mr Joe Biden, upon his arrival in Cyprus, as well as during the
official luncheon, our assessment of the visit to the Republic of Cyprus as a
historic one is fully vindicated, after having noted the following:
First, the confirmation of the unwavering position of
the Unites States, as well of the entire international community, as regards the
recognition of a single and only state entity in Cyprus, the Republic of Cyprus
and its lawful Government.
Second, the enhanced U.S. interest in the effort to end
the occupation and reunify Cyprus, a member state of the United Nations and the
European Union, on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with
political equality, as defined in the relevant Security Council resolutions and
the High Level Agreements and provided by in the Joint Communiqué of 11
February.
Third, the acknowledgment that substantial and bold
confidence building measures, such as those described in the known proposal of
the President of the Republic, will give a new impetus to the dialogue underway
and revive the hopes of the people of Cyprus for the attainment of a solution as
soon as possible.
Fourth, the recognition of the inalienable sovereign
rights of the Republic of Cyprus to explore and exploit its natural wealth
within its Exclusive Economic Zone. In this respect, Turkey is called upon to
refrain from any actions which are contrary to international law.
Fifth, the acknowledgment of the
upgraded geostrategic role that Cyprus can play in achieving peace and stability
in the particularly important region of the Eastern Mediterranean. At the same
time, support is being expressed for the Republic’s strategic goal to achieve
regional security, peace and stability, as well as to promote the vital
interests of our allies and partners.
Sixth, the acknowledgment of the role that the Republic
of Cyprus can play as an alternative energy corridor, not only for the region
but for Europe in general.
Seventh, the recognition of the titanic effort of the
Cyprus Government and people for economic recovery. In this context, there is
potential for the strengthening of bilateral economic relations between the
Republic of Cyprus and the USA in specific areas as well as for the provision of
technical assistance by the USA in the Republic’s areas of interest.
Eighth, the recognition of the need for further
strengthening of the newly established strategic relationship between the
Republic of Cyprus and the USA in specific areas of mutual interest.
Ninth, the understanding of the particularities of the
Cypriot economy in the discussions taking place in relation to possible further
sanctions in response to the crisis in Ukraine, as well as the need for taking
into account, before taking any decision, the consequences of the implementation
of such sanctions, inter alia, on the energy, trade and banking sectors of EU
member states.
We consider that the meetings with the American
Vice-President were decisive for the further strengthening of our relations with
the USA, as well as with the rest of the US’s strategic partners in the Eastern
Mediterranean region, towards creating political, economic and energy
alliances.
The most important is the upgrading of the strategic
relationship with the USA which we hope that will bear fruit in the near future
to the benefit of both sides.
It should be noted that the dialogue for a stronger
strategic partnership with the U.S. will continue at all levels towards mutual
benefit, without this adversely affecting our traditional and historic relations
with other friendly countries, permanent and non-permanent members of the
Security Council, as well as EU Member States.
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