Seeking to end tension in Mediterranean Pompeo will visit Cyprus tomorrow

Pompeo will hold talks in Cyprus after a visit to Doha, where he will participate in the launch of the long-awaited talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Pompeo said Thursday that his visit to Cyprus would come as a continuation of contacts made by US President Donald Trump with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

"It (the conflict) must be resolved in a diplomatic and peaceful manner," Pompeo told reporters from his plane. "So I will work on this in an effort to make sure that I understand the risks associated with it from a Cypriot point of view."

Pompeo referred to Germany's role in seeking to reduce tensions, and France played a pivotal role in the maritime conflict, as it strongly supported Greece and Cyprus.

"We hope that there will be a real dialogue and we hope that the military assets will be withdrawn so that these talks can be held." Pompeo said.

Turkey, which is searching for gas and oil reserves in waters claimed by NATO member Greece, last month deployed an expedition ship supported by military frigates.

Pompeo's visit came shortly after the United States lifted the decades-old embargo on Cyprus, which angered Turkey.

J.O