Biden, Anastasiades discuss US-Cyprus issues

Vice President Joe Biden met on Friday with Republic of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, the Office of the Vice President announced. Biden \"expressed appreciation for Cyprus as a strong partner in support of international efforts to promote security and stability in the region,\" the announcement said. Biden also affirmed the longstanding U.S. commitment to the re-unification of Cyprus \"as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, and looked forward to the opening of a new round of intensive negotiations under UN auspices,\" it said. The two leaders agreed that a new impetus to talks was needed, it said. Biden also welcomed prospects for broadening cooperation among countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, the statement said.