Putin’s Cyprus Gesture: We Support Solution

Ankara interpreted Putin’s statements as an "improvement." Diplomatic say Russia is siding with justice for the first time in the history of the 31 year old Cyprus issue. They also highlight the significance of Moscow’s emphasis on the unjust nature of the isolation. Even though the Annan plan has not given with a full "yes," signals of softening signal are being seen. Meanwhile, the Russian news agency Interfax assessed this development in a report that said, "Putin supports the lifting of economic sanctions on the Turkish region in Cyprus."

Elsewhere, on the island, the Greek Cypriot Administrator Tasos Papadopulous, who is closely following Erdogan’s Moscow visit, issued a statement yesterday saying, "The support Russia is providing is based on principles and it will continue."

A former deputy of the Duma, a sub wing of the Russian Parliament, said that the Kremlin will change its veto policy regarding Cyprus soon. A Kremlin source added that Turkey is important for Russia’s priority foreign policies.