Archbishop Spyridon holds talks with State Dept. official Cavanaugh
N. York, 28/02/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Archbishop of America Spyridon held a meeting yesterday with US State Department official Carey Cavanaugh focusing on Washington's efforts towards a solution to the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Archbishop Spyridon said Washington appears "determined to work in the direction of peace in the region," adding that "if the time is ripe then the United States will take advantage of every opportunity."
Mr. Cavanaugh, who is responsible for the State Department's southeastern Europe bureau, said he had requested the Orthodox Church's support for US efforts aimed at peace in the region.
Announcing his plans to visit the area, Mr. Cavanaugh expressed the conviction that a solution "can and must be found."
"We are committed to proceed, but so far have been unable to do so at a fast pace since our efforts were prevented by developments, particularly the purchase of the Russian-made missiles, as well as statements by the Turkish side threatening the possibility of military conflict."
Asked to comment on Turkish violations of Cyprus' FIR, Mr. Cavanaugh said they "create a feeling of great insecurity to the island's residents and increase tension."
He added, however, that Ankara had given him assurances that it would accept a possible overflight moratorium, but that the issue did not proceed because Greece and Cyprus refused to accept it.
[ Athens News Agency - www.ana.gr - February 28, 1997 ]