NICOSIA, May 21. /ITAR-TASS/. Cyprus’ opposition voices concern over US Vice-President Joe Biden’s intentions to discuss tougher sanctions against Russia due to the situation in Ukraine.

Biden has started a three-day visit to the island for talks with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.

The Cypriot government should not agree on the US pressure for tougher sanctions against Russia, the chairman of the opposition movement Civil Union Giorgios Lillikas has said.

Earlier, he was Cyprus’ foreign minister. Last year Lillikas run for presidency.

“We hope that the government will come against new sanctions on Russia,” Lillikas said.

“They (sanctions) can cause even greater damage to our friendly relations. Russia’s counter-measures can upset Cyprus’ economy,” he said.

Cooperation with the United States “should not hamper friendly relations with other countries: we cannot afford the situation that Cyprus has faced”, Lillikas said.