Congratulations from Russia and the US

CONGRATULATORY messages arrived from Russia and the US yesterday for the Republic of Cyprus’ 50th anniversary on Friday.

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev relayed his country’s dedication to finding “a just, comprehensive and functional solution to the Cyprus problem” in a letter to President Demetris Christofias.

The Russian President underlined the long-standing and consistent relations of friendship and co-operation between the two countries, “based on trust and mutual understanding”, adding that there are great prospects for a steady development of bilateral political, commercial, financial and cultural cooperation.

The proximity of the positions of Russia and Cyprus on the majority of fundamental international problems, said Medvedev, also constitutes a solid basis for ensuring stability and security both in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Referring to his visit to the island on Wednesday, the Russian President conveyed his conviction that “joint efforts for the preparation of the first ever official visit of a Russian President to Cyprus will also serve to further strengthen the bilateral relations for the benefit of both peoples”.

US Secretary of State, Foreign Minister, Hillary Clinton reiterated the US’ resolute support to the ongoing Cyprus negotiations aiming at reunifying the island on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

“We commend efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement,” said Clinton in a written congratulatory statement.

“Cyprus has been a crossroads between east and west, and for people and cultures dating back thousands of years. The United States values the long-standing friendship between our countries,” she added. “Throughout 50 years of bilateral relations, we have built a strong partnership, and we look forward to working together to expand our relationship in the future.”

Concluding, she wished “all the people of the Republic of Cyprus a safe and happy celebration as you mark this historic Independence Day”.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.