John Koenig., the U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus  said the United States hopes that re-unification talks will resume as soon as possible. He declared that “time works against a positive outcome.”

Koenig was invited by the Cyprus News Agency to comment on recent developments, and he urged both sides to “avoid words or deeds that increase tension.”

“The United States strongly supports efforts to find a Cyprus settlement through negotiations under the aegis of the United Nations, Koenig told CNA, urging both Cypriot sides and other interested international parties to redouble efforts toward a resumption of settlement talks, including through support for the work of Special Advisor Eide,” CNA reported.