Media release
9 September 2008
Australia Demonstrates Support for Cyprus Settlement Talks
I am pleased to announce that Australia's Special Representative for Cyprus, Australia's Ambassador to France, David A Ritchie, will visit Cyprus on 9 and 10 September 2008 to meet Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot community leaders.
After decades of separation, there are renewed hopes at the prospects for a settlement to be reached in Cyprus.
Ambassador Ritchie's visit confirms Australia's strong support for the renewed peace process.
I warmly welcome the launch by President Christofias and Mr Talat, on 3 September, of fully fledged negotiations to reach a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus dispute.
Ambassador Ritchie will meet representatives of both communities to reiterate the importance Australia places on a just and equitable solution and encourage both parties to make compromises necessary for a settlement to the dispute.
Ambassador Ritchie will also meet with the UN Special Adviser on Cyprus, the Hon Alexander Downer.
Ambassador Ritchie will visit Turkey and Greece to meet Government ministers and to encourage their Governments' broad support for the reunification efforts in Cyprus. A reunified Cyprus would benefit all parties and strengthen stability and prosperity in the region.
Australia will continue to support international efforts to end the dispute including by its ongoing contribution of civilian police officers to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
Media inquiries
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555