Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed that his country supports a viable settlement of the Cyprus dispute within the framework of international law.
"With regard to the Cyprus problem, we once again reaffirmed the Russian side's support for the search for a comprehensive, fair and viable settlement within the international legal framework established by United Nations Security Council resolutions and providing for the creation in Cyprus of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with a single international legal status," Putin said when speaking to reporters on Wednesday following talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Sochi.
The Mediterranean Sea island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied the island's northern third.
Moscow's position to the Cyprus issue matches that of the United Nations Security Council which recognises the Turkish occupation as illegal, as well as the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" that is recognised by no other country but Turkey.
Moscow supports a unified Cypriot state and rules out any solution based on the coexistence of two separate states.
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