Washington, Rabi'II 16, 1434, Feb 26, 2013, SPA - The United States congratulates the people of Cyprus and President-elect Nicos Anastasiades on a “free and fair” election, the State Department said Monday. “We look forward to working with Cyprus on areas of mutual interest, including promoting peace and security in the region, fostering opportunities for greater trade and investment and protecting cultural heritage,” State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell told reporters. The United States continues to support efforts to reunify Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation. We hope this presidential election will provide an opportunity for renewed efforts to achieve a just and lasting settlement that will be acceptable to the majorities in both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities,” Ventrell said. --SPA 11:28 LOCAL TIME 08:28 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1082105