Security and defense issues were discussed by Jonathan Cohen and PD

Speaking after a meeting with the President of the Republic, Mr. Cohen said that he had an excellent discussion with President Anastasiadis on the state of bilateral relations. The meeting focused on the Cyprus issue, energy developments, relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States and developments in the wider Middle East region. At 3.30 pm, Jonathan Cohen will meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in the occupied territories. The meeting was announced by the so-called presidency of the pseudo-state.

Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Palace after the meeting between the President of the Republic Mr. Nikos Anastasiadis and the US Undersecretary of State Jonathan Cohen, Mr. Christodoulidis, when asked about the meeting, said that "it was an excellent meeting during during which security and defense issues were discussed in principle.

We consider it particularly important that the United States recognizes the role of the Republic of Cyprus in the region as a provider of security and in this context a tripartite meeting was held in cooperation with the Greek Government, as well as those that are expected to take place in the first fortnight of January.

An exchange of views was held on the cooperation that the Republic of Cyprus has on the same issue with specific European countries, such as France, Germany and Italy.

The Cyprus issue was discussed, the need to make the appropriate preparations, so that a possible new Conference on the Cyprus issue can bring positive results.

Particular importance is given to the expected meeting of the Greek Prime Minister with the Turkish President in Athens, during which the Cyprus issue and in particular the issue of security and guarantees will be discussed.

Beyond that, our bilateral relations were discussed with special emphasis on our economic and trade relations following the visit of the President of the Republic to Washington in June. There is a desire for further actions that will strengthen our financial relations.

Finally, the energy issues were discussed, taking into account the energy planning of the Republic of Cyprus and everything that will be done in our EEZ in the near future ".

Asked if Mr. Cohen had anything new to offer in relation to the Cyprus issue, the Representative replied "no, there was nothing new. I reiterate the common view that the expected meeting of the Greek Prime Minister and the Turkish President is important and we hope that there will be some concrete results ".

Asked if the Cyprus issue goes through the issue of energy, the Spokesman said that "the energy plans of the Republic of Cyprus are not something that is subject to the decision of a third country and this is proven through developments. Our energy planning continues normally.

Turkey is absent from the ongoing energy dialogue in our region, precisely because of its illegal presence in Cyprus, and it is up to Turkey, if it really wishes to participate in the ongoing dialogue on these issues, to must proceed to the resolution of the Cyprus problem ".

Asked if Mr Cohen had been asked to convey a message regarding the involvement of permanent members of the Security Council (in efforts to resolve it) and when asked what the US position was on it, the spokesman said that "this was also discussed. issue. Our position is known, it is also known in the USA. "What we are focusing on at the moment is the meeting of the Greek Prime Minister with the Turkish President and what results will emerge, especially for the essence of the security and guarantees chapter".

Asked, the spokesman said that nothing was discussed with Mr. Cohen regarding the meeting he will have this afternoon with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Source: KYPE, RIK Radio