London: The government of the Republic of Cyprus has emphasized its commitment to renewing negotiations on the Cyprus issue, with Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos stating that there is an obligation to maximize the possibility of returning to the negotiating table. This statement was made during an engagement with UK politicians and representatives of the UK Cypriot community at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Foreign Minister Kombos highlighted the recent meeting in New York under the UN Secretary-General with President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tatar as a new dynamic. He emphasized that the Cypriot government is actively taking steps to create momentum for negotiations and expressed readiness to engage in discussions based on UN Security Council resolutions. Kombos noted the broader contributions of Cyprus in international affairs, citing initiatives like the humanitarian maritime corridor to Gaza and evacuations from Sudan, Israel, and Lebanon
, underscoring Cyprus’s role as a regional safe harbor.
Hamish Falconer, representing the Labour government as Foreign Minister for the Middle East, acknowledged the strong ties between the UK and Cyprus and praised Cyprus’s humanitarian efforts. He reaffirmed the Labour government’s commitment to supporting the UN’s efforts in finding a lasting settlement for Cyprus, advocating for a Bi-zonal, Bi-Communal Federation with political equality as the best framework.
Christos Karaolis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, described Cyprus as a reliable ally to the UK and emphasized the importance of holding Turkey accountable for its actions in Cyprus and elsewhere. He called for the UK government to actively participate in future negotiations and to adhere to the UN framework for a solution.
The event reflected cross-party support in the UK Parliament for Cyprus, with Andrew Mitchell and Sir Roger Gale expressing ongoing support for Cypriot efforts. The meeting, coordinated by Bambos Ch
aralambous MP, newly elected Chair of the APPG for Cyprus, was attended by numerous British parliamentarians across various parties, illustrating wide-ranging political backing for Cyprus within the UK. Additionally, the newly appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary of the Conservative Party, Prifti Patel, was present at the event.