Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, visited Cyprus during July 6-7 where he met with President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, as well as with the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General, Mr. Tayé-Brook Zerihoun. He also met with prominent members of both communities, including negotiators and political figures. The purpose of the Assistant Secretary’s visit was to demonstrate the support of the United States for the efforts of the two Cypriot leaders to make progress under UN auspices regarding comprehensive negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem.

On Monday July 7, a bicommunal press conference was held at the J.W. Fulbright Center in the U.N.-patrolled buffer zone. The overall congenial environment inspired meaningful discussion on the part of the press with the Assistant Secretary, whereby Fried answered questions from the press and rearticulated the United States’ support of the peace process.

Read the Press Conference transcript