Russian FM on Cyprus Issue: Western Partners Pushing for a ‘Solution at all Costs’ Unacceptable
By Kerry Kolasa-Sikiaridi
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, said that Western partners’ persistent attempts to speed up negotiations on Cyprus issue and push for a solution at all costs are unacceptable.
Replying to a question during a press briefing on Thursday, Zakharova pointed out that Russia will support whatever solution the Cypriots themselves come up with and will judge progress at the talks by their concrete results.
“As I said, we believe that progress at the negotiating table should be judged by practical results. At the same time, we consider some of our Western partners’ persistent attempts to speed up negotiations and push for a solution at all costs to be unacceptable. This is not right,” she said.
She added that “the failure of the Annan plan for Cyprus, as we all remember, is evidence of the destructiveness of such external pressure.”
The Russian FM, she also said, closely monitors the progress of talks between the communities in Cyprus and reminded of “Russia’s principled and unwavering position and assessment of the Cyprus issue.”
“We are for a comprehensive, fair and viable solution in the interests of all Cypriots,” said Zakharova.
Source: CNA
