The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias
received yesterday the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and
Eurasian Affairs of the United States, Mr. Matthew Bryza.
In statements to the press after the meeting, Mr Bryza
described the meeting as warm and constructive, noting that he listened to the
President’s analysis of where the talks were. “We are also exploring ways to
deepen our bilateral relationship. We have a good relationship with the Republic
of Cyprus but we can always improve, always do more together”, he
noted.
In reference to the Cyprus problem
and the ongoing talks between President Christofias and the T/C leader, the US
diplomat said that “There are fundamental philosophical differences that are
quite difficult to resolve. There are different views about the continuation of
the state, formation of the federal state, the federated state and how the
constituent states will make sure that there is a balance of political power
that respects both minority rights and majority rights”.
Moreover, the US official described the opening of Limnitis as
“a major step forward” adding that this step involved compromise on both sides
and injected new energy into the whole peace process.
He also said that throughout his trip in Cyprus he gained a
feeling of desire by both sides to keep moving forward, exchange views in good
faith and attempt to bridge differences.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State expressed the view that Ankara
had given freedom to the T/C leader to maneuver at least on the issues that have
been discussed so far. “Now some tough ones remain to be resolved,” he
added. - 01.07.2009
