US Unhappy Over Cypriot President's Visit to Moscow (Ioannis Kasoulides, Cyprus's Minister)

Cyprus' President Nikos Anastasiades visit to Moscow in late February resulted in 11 agreements on cooperation being signed, including military, naval and anti-terrorism agreements. The visit ran counter to Washington's and Brussels' policy of pressuring Moscow over its alleged role in the crisis in Ukraine...

"The [US] discontent focused on the fact that they believe that Putin's government should be isolated by the 28 EU Member States and all other members of the North Atlantic Alliance", Ioannis Kasoulides  said in an interview to the state-owned TV-channel RIC after returning from Washington.

But he stressed that the United States is not "entitled to be displeased," as Washington does not seem to be concerned by the aggressive policy of Turkey toward Cyprus, at the same time blaming Moscow for the crisis in Ukraine.

The minister lamented that the West resorted to sanctions in response to Russia's alleged support for eastern Ukraine's independence supporters, but showed "no similar attitude in the case of Turkey versus Cyprus."

Cyprus has been divided into Turkish and Greek parts since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island following a pro-Greek coup. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus unilaterally proclaimed its independence in the 1980's, and is only recognized by Turkey.
 [sputniknews.com]
4/3/15
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