Lavrov says Russia ready to support peace

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says his country stands ready to help diffuse tensions in the region while criticizing US efforts for fueling conflict rather than promoting peaceful solutions.

Lavrov, who was received Tuesday by President Nicos Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, said his country has always been a supporter of the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereignty from the very beginning.

Russia’s top diplomat said Moscow was ready to assist in effective dialogue towards mutually acceptable solutions in the eastern Mediterranean.

But Lavrov did not shy away from offering comments on US efforts in the region, saying “outside players” were pushing for conflict instead of peace.

“There are outside players such as the USA that are trying to draw policies of practice that contribute to conflict rather than peaceful solutions,” Lavrov said.

“Compromise and dialogue are the only ways to reach peaceful solutions,” the Russian minister added.

President Anastasiades told Lavrov that his visit marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries was an affirmation of a relationship distinguished by mutual respect, mutual support, and solidarity.

The Cypriot President noted an additional emphasis on the timing of Lavrov’s visit to the island, citing Turkish activities in the region.

“We place particular emphasis on your visit at a time of Turkish illegal activities in the eastern Mediterranean, its threats over carrying out settlements in Famagusta, and more generally a very critical juncture for international law and order,” Anastasiades said.

Lavrov flew to Cyprus on Monday where a new agreement was expected to be signed Tuesday on the avoidance of double taxation between the two countries.

The visit came amid tensions in the region, as Greece and Turkey are at odds with each other over maritime jurisdiction as well as other issues including the Cyprus Problem.

Russia, which has recently enjoyed friendly relations with Turkey, has also been the target of US sanctions through a lift of a small-arms embargo on Cyprus.