The United States will not recognize any government other than the Republic of Cyprus on the island, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried stressed here late last week.

Speaking at the official dinner of the 17th annual Cyprus Conference, organized by the International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) and the World Council of Hellenes (SAE), he also stressed that US policy on Cyprus "has been, is now, and shall remain clear and consistent" in supporting "a settlement establishing a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation which will reunify Cyprus and its two communities into one country."

"We support and will continue to help energize and guide the UN process to reconcile differences and find common ground leading to a final settlement ... And let me stress to you unequivocally: We do not and will not recognize any government other than the Republic of Cyprus on the island of Cyprus. We are clear about this - none of our policies are aimed at or imply ‘creeping recognition’ of any other political entity. Cyprus is one country. We have, and will have, only one embassy, one ambassador," he said.

As regards the current situation in Cyprus, he said that both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots essentially eye the same goal, namely, a common identity and future as Cypriots in one country.

"We must not let this moment pass. The Republic of Cyprus has an opportunity now that, if lost, may not recur - to join its people together again as Cypriots in a united nation, not as opponents, but as partners. We would like both sides to consider the end state to which they aspire - a bi-zonal, bi-communal, federation - and work backwards on how to get there," he said.

Source: Athens News Agency

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