The contribution of overseas Cypriots and the Greek Diaspora in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem is more than important, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris, said in remarks after a service at Agios Nikolaos Church in New York during the celebrations to mark the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
He said the Diaspora’s “contribution is the cornerstone of the efforts of all governments to reach a viable solution.”
Speaking to reporters, Nouris, who was accompanied by Deputy Government Spokesperson Niovi Parisinou, said “we conveyed the message that on the one hand, we are satisfied that the Republic of Cyprus has enjoyed independence since 1960, but on the other hand, this independence is lacking since it is unfortunately stigmatised by the occupation which Cyprus is undergoing.”
He said the contribution of the Diaspora and Hellenism everywhere in the effort to support the Republic of Cyprus in dealing with these problems and especially the problem of occupation is more than important, adding that “it is the cornerstone of the efforts of the Government, of the respective governments to be able to finally reach a sustainable solution.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency