If Turkey proceeds with its threats, especially with regard to Varos, this will be a gravestone in the Cyprus issue, said tonight the President of the Republic Nikos Anastasiadis.
Welcoming the 245th anniversary of US independence and the ill-fated visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the occupied territories on the 20th, he called on those in charge of diplomatic missions to "Mr. Erdogan to avoid further escalating tensions through any new illegal actions, especially in Varos."
"If Turkey proceeds with such actions - and I repeat especially in relation to Varos - this will be the tombstone, not only for the continuation of the negotiation process, but most importantly, for finding a viable and functional settlement," the President stressed. .
He also reiterated the proposals he had submitted for the adoption of Confidence Building Measures (MOEs) in order to defuse tensions and referred to the MOEs for occupied Famagusta, including its port, illegal airport, additional protocol and exploitation.
At the same time, the President of the Republic expressed deep appreciation for the continued US support in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem on the agreed basis, ie a bi-zonal bi-communal federation in accordance with Security Council resolutions.
"A position that was reiterated by President Biden through their letter of 28 May 2021, a support of the utmost importance in the light of the position of both Ankara and our Turkish Cypriots for a two-state solution," he added.
Finally, recalling that the Turkish positions expressed at the informal meeting in Geneva did not allow the UN Secretary General to proceed with the continuation of the talks, the President reiterated his commitment to engage directly in the dialogue in full respect of the UN parameters. "" As long as the necessary conditions are met and all those involved refrain from any illegal activities ".
For her part, US Ambassador Judith Garber stressed "we strongly support the efforts to continue the negotiations for a settlement of the Cyprus problem", adding that in the same spirit of optimism that characterized the Kennedy administration, the Biden government is committed to United Nations for the reunification of Cyprus as a bi-zonal bi-communal federation.
President Biden, said Ms. Garber, remains convinced that, not only is a solution possible, but that a reunited island will benefit all Cypriots and the wider region.
Speaking of strong trade ties between the two countries, Ms. Garber reiterated that the United States supports the right of the Republic of Cyprus to develop resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone.
"And we are proud that two of our leading energy companies continue to invest in Cyprus, so that all Cypriots can equally benefit from these resources," he said.
Ms. Garber, among other things, referred to the deadly fire that hit the mountainous Larnaca and Limassol at the weekend, noting that "our thoughts are focused on those friends and families who lost their lives and those who lost their homes."