Greek Cyprus' Anastasiades seeks ‘new era’ with Turkey

NICOSIA - Anatolia News Agency

A handout picture released by the Cypriot Press and Information Office (PIO) shows the new President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades (C) speaking before the House of Representatives on February 28, 2013 in Nicosia. AFP Photo

Nicos Anastasiades, who was sworn in as the new president of Greek Cyprus on Feb. 28, has expressed his desire for a new era in relations with Turkey, raising hopes for a fresh dialogue process on the divided island.

“We are ready for a new relationship with Turkey in the new era,” Anastasiades said during a speech at Parliament in Nicosia, also adding that he supported Turkey’s accession to the European Union.

Anastasiades stressed that the Cyprus issue should be solved with the aid of treaties and U.N. decisions on the matter. The Greek Cypriot president said he aimed to solve this problem as soon as possible by addressing Turkish Cypriots as well as Greek Cypriots.