Negotiations for a political settlement in Cyprus have come a long way, without the involvement of any foreign factor, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has said, noting at the same time that obstacles still exist and the peace talks have yet to conclude.
He expressed the hope that the negotiations will continue until the end of the road.
“If however this is difficult to achieve, then we shall need the help of the US and Russia and the rest of the permanent members of the UN Security Council to get to the desired result,” he said in statements to the press, in Malta, at the conclusion of the Commonwealth summit.
Invited to comment on the interest the international community displays in Cyprus, reflected in this week`s visits to the island by the US and the Russian foreign ministers, Kasoulides said it is an honour for Cyprus to welcome the foreign ministers of two big powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council.
He referred also to the forthcoming visit by the Chinese Foreign Minister.
“I believe they will be briefed on developments in Cyprus and I am sure they will hear that the talks are moving smoothly,” he added.
UN-led peace talks are underway between the island’s two communities with a view to finding a negotiated settlement to reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
CNA MM/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY