The new UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty has reaffirmed the British government’s support for a settlement to the Cyprus issue within the UN parameters, based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.
In a response letter to the Board of British Cypriots, the minister states: “We believe that the best way to address the situation in Cyprus remains through a just and lasting settlement on the island in line with UN parameters. The UK will continue to provide support to this UN-led process and advocate a solution in line with UN parameters based on the model of a bi- zonal, bi-communal federation – a model that is internationally accepted and one that we believe to be broad enough to address the concerns of both sides.”
He comments that the events of 1974 continue to cast a long shadow over Cyprus and notes that the UK led the international response to Turkish actions in 1974, including through drafting UNSCR 353 calling for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops.
“The UK calls for all sides to avoid any actions or statements that could damage the prospects for a settlement. Ultimately, it is for the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to decide on the details of a settlement. In the meantime, the UK will continue to contribute to a settlement, including through our deployment of military personnel to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), and our support for the UN-led Settlement Process,” adds Docherty.
The Minister for Europe also hails the bilateral relationship between the UK and Cyprus which “has never been stronger”. He refers to a broad range of areas of cooperation and expresses the UK Government’s hope to deepen this relationship.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency