Russian Foreign Ministry rejects media reports over recognition of north

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday rejected as “myths” media reports about an alleged recognition of the self -styled regime in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus by Russia.

Replying to a question, Zakharova reaffirmed Russia’s “unchanged” and “well-known” support of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty, single citizenship, and single international personality, noting that “we support the efforts made by the UN Secretary-General, in the context of his mission of Good Offices, to resume the inter-communal talks”.

She said that “recently we have seen an increased activity aimed at the international recognition of the illegal regime in northern Cyprus and we are calling for avoidance of steps that could increase tensions between the communities. We are calling for avoidance of anything that could upset the balance of the situation on the island”.

The Russian Spokeswoman described as “wrong”, but also “dangerous” drawing parallels between Crimea and the so-called “TRNC”, because “such fantasies disorient the international public opinion, undermine trust and generate negative feelings, including as regards a Cyprus settlement”.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Russia, Nikos Christodoulides and Sergey Lavrov, will hold talks in Moscow on October 21.

Zakharova noted that the two Ministers will exchange views on topical regional matters with focus on the Cyprus settlement.

Moreover, she said that a number of bilateral documents are expected to be signed, according to a post on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Twitter account.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory. Numerous UN backed talks to reunite the island have failed to yield results.