NICOSIA - President Christofias has thanked Switzerland for its position on the Cyprus issue, which is based on principles.

The President who was addressing a joint press conference with President of Switzerland Eveline Widmer – Schlumpf at the Presidential Palace after holding talks, said he had briefed his Swiss counterpart extensively on recent developments as regards the Cyprus issue during their private meeting and later during talks between officials of the two countries.

On her part Schlumpf expressed her regret that the UN led talks which aim to resolve the Cyprus issue are not going as President Christofias would wish, expressing Switzerland’s readiness to support the process if requested.

“As Switzerland we would wish for a solution to be found in the next months, in the next year”, she noted, adding that “I think it would be very important for this wonderful region.

“From this podium, I have the opportunity to publicly express the profound gratitude of the people of Cyprus for the principled position of Switzerland on the Cyprus problem”, President Christofias stressed.

He reiterated that “our vision remains that of an agreed solution that will reunify Cyprus, that will end occupation and colonization by settlers and that will safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the people of Cyprus”.

Unfortunately, President Christofias said, “our efforts are obstructed by the intransigence of the Turkish side”, adding that “Turkey not only continues, but has intensified its provocations against Cyprus, threatening to promote the so called “Plan B” of upgrading the Turkish occupied areas”.
(CNA)