UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty has reaffirmed the British government’s position in support of resolving the Cyprus issue within the UN parameters of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
He was responding to a series of parliamentary questions submitted to the Foreign Office by the pro-Cypriot Conservative MP Martin Vickers, ahead of Monday’s meeting in Downing Street between the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Asked about possible representations to the Turkish Foreign Minister on negotiations on a peaceful, comprehensive, and long-lasting solution to reunite divisions over Cyprus, Doughty said that ‘the UK remains committed to supporting UN efforts to reach a Cyprus Settlement within the existing parameters of a Bi-zonal, Bi-communal Federation with political equality. We engage all parties in support of this.’
He added that the issue has been raised with Turkish counterparts b
y him and the British ambassador to Turkey.
Vickers also asked what steps the UK is taking as Guarantor of Cyprus’s independence and territorial integrity to help reunite the island.
Repeating the UK commitment to the UN efforts, the Foreign Minister noted: ‘We are actively engaging all parties to encourage the flexibility needed to return to talks. In addition, we support a range of confidence building measures in Cyprus to promote engagement between the communities. We also continue to contribute to peace and stability in Cyprus through our deployment of military personnel to UNFICYP.’
On the question of actions towards returning Famagusta to its former inhabitants, Stephen Doughty reaffirmed the British support for all relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Then he added: ‘Property remains one of the most complex issues of the status quo in Cyprus. Ultimately, the most effective way to resolve these issues is through the UN-led process to reach a just and lasting Cyprus Settlement.’
On a question a
bout reducing the number of Turkish troops stationed in Cyprus, Doughty said a comprehensive settlement ‘remains the best route to addressing the difficult issues of the status quo.’
He also acknowledged Vickers’s and both communities’ in Cyprus concern over the missing persons. He declared yet again the British support for the ‘crucial’ work being undertaken by the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus.
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.
Source: Cyprus News Agency