Koenig: “America will always support the two leaders towards a united Cyprus”

America will always stand by the side of the two leaders, Anastasiades and Akinci, as they work towards peace and towards a united Cyprus, US Ambassador to South Cyprus John Koenig said yesterday.
US Ambassador held a reception in his residence on the occasion of United States` National Day Celebration yesterday. The reception was also attended by the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades.
In his remarks, John Koenig noted that the past year has certainly had its ups and downs, including the Cyprus peace process.
“Now we see a new and positive energy, thanks to the extraordinary commitment and efforts of the two Cypriot leaders and with the strong support of civil society and the United Nations” he noted and told Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades that all are rooting for him and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to push ahead towards peace, and keep going even if they meet with temporary setbacks.
“We will be there cheering you on.  More than that, I promise that America will always be by your side as you and Mr. Akinci work towards peace, towards a united Cyprus” he added. On bilateral relations, US Ambassador noted that cooperation between USA and Cyprus has attained a new, strategic quality under the Anastasiades Administration.  “Cyprus and America have strong ties based on our shared values and history – and a good number of shared citizens” he added, noting that in the last three years bilateral relations have intensified dramatically and to mutual benefit. “Together, we have increasingly focused our cooperation on regional and global challenges and opportunities such as counter-proliferation, peace-building, counter-terrorism, and renewed economic growth” he stressed.