Cyprus President seeks Russia’s help on UNFICYP

Anastasiades has expressed his satisfaction over a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, noting that he has sought Russia’s help on matters to do with the Cyprus problem.

In statements to journalists after his meeting with Lavrov, President Anastasiades said that the meeting focused mainly on the Cyprus problem and the excellent bilateral relations between Cyprus and Russia, which will continue.

“We have raised certain issues on which we believe Russia could contribute, such as the UNFICYP, the good relations they maintain with Turkey and the influence they can exert so that there is a change, in order for progress to be observed,” he pointed out. Cyprus wishes to maintain the presence of the UN peacekeeping force however with the peace talks at a standstill the UN is seriously considering deploying elsewhere.

It was a “creative, friendly meeting with a specific agenda and I express my satisfaction over its outcomes.”

Asked what is Moscow’s position right now on the Cyprus problem, President Anastasiades said “reaching a solution.”