The Cypriot government congratulated Barack Obama Wednesday on his being elected the new U.S. president, while expressing hope that his administration will actively support the reunification process of the Mediterranean island.
"Obama has made specific declarations which we welcome. We hope that these declarations will be fulfilled," said government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou.
During his campaign, Obama promised the Greek American community that if elected, he will seek to negotiate a political settlement on Cyprus.
"There must be a just and mutually agreed settlement of difficult issues like property, refugees, land and security," Obama said in a statement.
"A negotiated political settlement on Cyprus would end the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus and repair the island's tragic division while paving the way to prosperity and peace throughout the entire region", he added.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of the island after a coup by a group of Greek officers.
In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities broke away to set up the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.
In the eyes of most Greek Cypriots, the U.S. government has been more pro-Turkish, taking into consideration Turkey's strategic importance in the region.
"We ask nothing more than respect for the values of international law and U.N. resolutions on Cyprus. We will insist on this, bearing in mind the realities existing both in the U.S. itself and in the world," said Stefanou.
Source:Xinhua
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