Biden concerned by tension between Greek Cyprus, Turkey

WASHINGTON – The Associated Press

US Vice President Joe Biden addresses an audience while campaigning for Democrat Seth Moulton, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, on Oct 29. AP photo

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has telephoned the president of Greek Cyprus to express concern over renewed tension with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
The White House has said that in the conversation with President Nicos Anastasiades, Biden also stressed that the U.S. respects Greek Cyprus' sovereignty and right to develop resources in an exclusive economic zone.

Biden also expressed hope that diplomatic efforts will help reduce tensions with Turkey over oil and gas exploration rights off the divided island.

Cyprus has been split along ethnic lines since 1974. 

The White House has added that both leaders also agreed on the need to reunify the island.