The UK Minister for Europe has reaffirmed the British government’s support of the UN efforts to reach a Cyprus settlement “in line with UN parameters”, as it would increase the prosperity of the island and strengthen the regional security and stability.
In a response letter to the long-standing friend of Cyprus Theresa Villiers, a north London Conservative MP, Minister Leo Docherty reiterated that London “continues to advocate a solution in line with UN parameters based on the model of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality – a model that is internationally accepted and one that we believe to be broad enough to address the concerns of both sides.”
Docherty noted that during his recent visit to London, Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides agreed to work closely together for a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus settlement process within the UN parameters in meetings with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and the Minister of State responsible for the UN, Lord Ahmad.
In her initial letter to the Foreign Secretary, Villiers had also raised developments relating to Famagusta in particular. The Minister responded by stating yet again the UK’s support for all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and statements. He also pointed to the National Statement issued by London expressing concern.
The letter to Ms Villiers added that the UK calls for all sides to avoid any actions or statements that could damage the prospects for a settlement.
“In the meantime, the UK, as a Guarantor Power and a friend to all parties, will continue to provide support to UN efforts, including through our deployment of military personnel to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP),” the letter concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. The latest round of peace talks under the UN aegis took place in the summer of 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana, but failed to yield any results.
Source: Cyprus News Agency