India hopes for peaceful solution to Cyprus problem

India hopes that a just and lasting solution to Cyprus problem, where northern part of Cyprus is under Turkish control, will be found in accordance with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution and the European Acquis.

"We understand that the two sides in Cyprus have been talking to each other. India hopes that a just and lasting solution will be found to the Cyprus problem in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and the European Acquis. We support a peaceful dialogue between the concerned parties," Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday, said.

The statement assumes significance as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be on a two-day visit to India, from April 30, accompanied by a huge business delegation.

Meanwhile, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades is currently on a four-day visit to India, from April 25.

Earlier, the Cyprus President sought India's help to reunify the northern and southern parts of the country.

When asked if India would mediate on the Cyprus issue, Ghanashyam said, "Two leaders (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Cyprus) will meet and discuss issues that they decide to. I would not like to prejudge or speculate. However, our position on the Cyprus issue is very clear and well known. I don't need to reiterate it."

In 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus, overran parts of it and has since stationed troops in the north. There is a ceasefire line that cuts across Cyprus, monitored by U.N. troops.

The invasion by Turkey was in response against a coup which had been staged by the Cypriot National Guard against former Greece president Makarios III with the intention of annexing the island.

The invasion came after more than a decade of sporadic inter-communal violence between the islands Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots resulting from the constitutional breakdown of 1963.