Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on President Bush's Meeting With President George Vassiliou of Cyprus

The President met this afternoon with Cypriot President George Vassiliou. The two leaders discussed a number of issues relating to efforts to bring a peaceful solution to the Cyprus dispute.

The President reaffirmed our support for the negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations and expressed his hope that the talks will be resumed at the earliest possible date. The President noted that the negotiations were not an end to themselves but a means to a peaceful solution to the dispute.

Also present at the meeting were Secretary of State James Baker, Chief of Staff John Sununu, national security adviser Brent Scowcroft, Special Cyprus Negotiator Nelson Ledsky, Cypriot Foreign Minister George Iacovou, and [Cypriot] Ambassador Michael Sherifis. The meeting began at 2 p.m. and lasted approximately 40 minutes.