Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez addressed the invasion and occupation that dates back over four decades, which he said "continues to be a challenge".
Speaking at the hearing of the US ambassador-designate to Cyprus, Julie Fisher expressed his discomfort why the US Government does not name the side bearing the responsibility for the non-resolution of the Cyprus issue.
For her part, Ms. Fisher said that time is absolutely critical in these matters and from her experience she believes that we have no time to lose.
Addressing Ms. Menendez said that "one of the challenges in Cyprus is that there has been an invasion and occupation that has lasted four decades and continues to be a challenge, while we are trying to reunify the island under one nation, a bizonal, bicommunal federation."
In our efforts to move in that direction, he said, "I think President Nicos Anastasiades has really moved more forward than any other Cypriot president in terms of making, I wouldn't say concessions, but trying to find a way to move things forward."
He said that one of the issues that makes him uncomfortable is that the US State Department "calls on all sides, but when one side is the aggressive one, as I think Azerbaijan is with Armenia, or as in the case of Cyprus, when one side makes concessions and the other side doesn't, it's a little frustrating to call on all sides."
We should, he said, when it is clear, we should say it clearly [S.S. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE].
Addressing Ms. Menendez asked her what she would do to prevent the aggression of Tayyip Erdogan to take over all of Varosha from becoming a reality.
Ms. Fisher said she recognized Mr. She referred to the many capable diplomats who have worked on the Cyprus problem for decades, noting that she does not underestimate how difficult the challenges in Cyprus are.
"I think this is a place where there is a huge opportunity if we can focus our energy on those on the island, those who are paying the highest price for the current division and those who benefit the most from a comprehensive settlement if it is reached," he said.
He said he hopes to create a sense of urgency in this process.
He said he hopes to create a sense of urgency in this process. "The key point of the talks is that they are Cypriot-owned under the UN and from there I will look to find the way forward," she added.
Fisher said time is "absolutely critical in these matters and in my experience I believe we have no time to waste."
Menendez said he appreciated her view because "this dispute has gone on for too long."
He also said that if Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots are allowed to cooperate with each other, there will be a solution.
However, he said the problem lies in the fact that "Ankara is putting its hand in and not allowing the Turkish Cypriots to find their own way, which ultimately means that they decide at the end of the day."
Referring to the Eastern Mediterranean region, he said he strongly supported cooperation between Greece, Israel and Cyprus, adding that "we look forward to the first meeting of the 3+1 inter-parliamentary group to discuss energy cooperation with our allies and partners in the region."
Menendez said he was disappointed because there was not more support for this format from the U.S. government, not to say that this was the fault of Mrs. Menendez.
"I just hope that the next diplomat in Cyprus will support the process and say we have a tremendous opportunity here," he remarked.
Mr. Menendez also said he gives "credit to the Cypriots for stopping Russian ships from reaching ports before the invasion, which is extremely important."
Asked what opportunities she sees for the US to work with Cyprus and its Eastern Mediterranean partners to enhance European energy security, Fisher said that when these schemes work and create meaningful conversations, "we really have an opportunity to significantly expand those agendas."
Noting that Menendez has cited energy in the Eastern Mediterranean "as central to the 3+1 format, my experience is that when we find a format where we can share so much, we need to expand it in many directions," adding that these kinds of formats are very important for the development of bilateral relations.
Finally, she assured Menendez of her support on these issues and asked for his and his team's support.
Source: CNA
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