CANBERRA - The Presidents of both Houses of the Australian Parliament expressed today their understanding concerning the position of the Republic of Cyprus on the Cyprus issue as well as the prospects of Cyprus talks, while meeting in Canberra with House President Yiannakis Omirou and the members of the House inter-party delegation.

The Cypriot delegation arrived this morning in the Australian capital and met with the President of the Senate John Hogg and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Peter Slipper. Earlier, the House delegation met with the members of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and the Committee chairman, MP Michael Danby.

Speaking after the meeting, Omirou said the Australian side showed great interest in recent developments in the Cyprus issue, Turkey’s threats against the Republic of Cyprus and the last meeting on Cyprus, at Greentree, NY.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met with President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu for the fifth time in January 2012, in Greentree, New York, to discuss the prospects of Cyprus talks.

The President of the Cyprus House noted that both Presiding Officers, as well as the House Foreign Affairs Committee were also interested in the recent discovery of hydrocarbon reserves, in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and in its potential contribution to a Cyprus solution.

On Turkey’s EU accession prospects, Omirou said he explained to his Australian interlocutors that the Republic of Cyprus does not object, but insists on Ankara meeting concrete requirements, set by the EU.

Omirou also referred to the continuous support of all Australian governments and political parties for a Cyprus solution, based on international law and the Security Council resolutions.

He noted moreover that during today’s meetings, the issue of Alexander Downer was also raised, and said that the Australian officials appeared understanding as to the reasons of the relevant House resolution.

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer recently came under severe criticism for saying that the Greek Cypriots instead of the Republic of Cyprus – a fully fledged EU member since 2004 - will hold the six monthly rotating presidency of the European Council, in the second half of 2012. Downer has since rectified his remarks.

The House of Representatives recently voted a resolution, stressing its grave concern and disappointment over the unacceptable statements and actions of the Special Advisor, following the Greentree meeting, and noted that Downer had compromised the credibility and impartiality required by his role.

The House President extended an invitation to both Presiding Officers to visit Cyprus, which was accepted. In the evening, Hogg and Slipper hosted an official dinner, in honor of the Cypriot delegation.