Germany is ready to do its utmost to support the process for a solution of the Cyprus problem, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told the Cyprus News Agency, adding that Germany and the EU are following the Cyprus talks with great interest.
In a statement to CNA ahead of his official visit to the island on Tuesday, Steinmeier said that during his visit he would like to find out more about the ongoing Cyprus talks and he will make clear to all involved that Germany wants to do its utmost to support the process.
He also noted that Germany has been following the Cyprus negotiations very closely for many years.
“We Germans have been following the Cyprus talks very closely for many years. Germany and Cyprus share the experience of a long division of their countries. Germany had the good fortune to enjoy the gift of rapprochement, reconciliation and reunification, and hope that our friends in Cyprus will be able to do so, too”, he stressed.
The German Foreign Minister pointed out that a solution of the Cyprus issue could send important messages to the whole region.
“A solution to the Cyprus conflict would also send a signal to the whole region beyond the country’s borders. This is why Germany and the EU are observing the process with such great interest” he underlined.
Describing the new round of talks as a positive development, he told CNA that “I have the impression that both sides are taking the talks seriously and are keen to reach understanding. This gives us grounds for hope”.
“I would like to find out more about the ongoing negotiations during my visit. And I will make it clear to all those involved that we want to do our utmost to support this process”, he concluded.
The Republic of Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion in 1974. 37% of this EU Mediterranean island is occupied by Turkish troops. A new round of UN led talks resumed in May this year with an aim to reunify the island under a federal political system.
CNA/AAR/GV/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY