President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso assured on Friday that the EU would firmly support a renewed process for a Cyprus settlement, adding that the lack of real progress was detrimental both for Cyprus and the EU.
Speaking after a meeting in Brussels with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, Barroso expressed hope that the Turkish side would also address efforts for a settlement in a spirit of good will.
... Barroso added that the EU would ``firmly stand behind a renewed process for solving this issue``...
.....they also discussed ``the contribution that Cyprus can give to the European project`` and that President Christofias, who participated for the first time in the European Council, made his own contribution to the discussion.
Barroso said Cyprus is already playing a role in the EU but can play ``an even more important role in the region with its tradition and its location,`` adding that it is ``a very important region for Europe and the world.``
Referring to the Mediterranean Union, which was discussed during the European Council, Barroso said he saw ``enormous potential for Cyprus and for the relations between Cyprus and the EU.``
.... Cyprus will be issuing the orders for the withdrawal of Turkish Troops shortly.
