Cyprus foreign minister calls Moscow up

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed his country’s support for a UN-led peace effort in Cyprus, calling on UNFICYP to continue its role on the divided island.

According to a statement by the Russian Embassy, Lavrov spoke on the phone with Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides, with the two men having a discussion on current bilateral affairs.

Christodoulides, who picked up the phone and called his counterpart on Wednesday, brought up the Cyprus problem with Lavrov reaffirming Russia’s official position in supporting negotiations.

The Russian minister spoke in support of peace negotiations between the two communities on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions, in order to achieve a comprehensive, viable, and just solution that would benefit both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on the island.

“Of course, the UN, under whose auspices the negotiations are being conducted, will have to take the lead in international efforts seeking a solution,” said the statement.

Russia also supports the continuation of UNFICYP’s presence on the divided island, with the statement pointing out that the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus plays a crucial role for stability in the region.

The UN Security Council is expected to vote on July 26 and approve another six months for a UNFINCYP tour in Cyprus, with the force keeping the peace along a buffer zone on the divided island since 1964.