The ruling Conservative Party MP Theresa Villiers has stated that the security guarantees regime in Cyprus must be removed, expressing “cautious optimism” over the prospects of a settlement to the Cyprus issue.
The north London MP was part of delegation from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cyprus that undertook a visit to Nicosia for a series of meetings from 9th to 12th February.
In a statement following the conclusion of the visit, Ms Villiers, a long-standing friend of Cyprus, said: “There are grounds for cautious optimism. It is clear that the leaders of the two sides, President Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci, are both sincere in their efforts to deliver a settlement.
“But the conversations I have had on this visit have confirmed that some very difficult issues remain to be resolved. In particular, matters relating to security are very sensitive. I believe that the time has come to remove third country guarantees. They are a throwback to a colonial past and are not justified in relation to a modern democracy like Cyprus.”
During their visit to Cyprus the British parliamentary delegation met, among else, with The President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, The President of the House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris, British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Matthew Kidd, and the members of the House of Representatives Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Refugees.
In her statement Ms Villiers mentioned that we are at a “crucial times” in the negotiations for a settlement in Cyprus, adding that her participation in the Cyprus visit aimed to show her support for efforts to find a solution to reunite the island.
“I have supported the Cyprus cause for nearly two decades. I have many constituents who deeply regret the division of the island and wish to see a just and lasting settlement agreed which will allow Cypriots to live together once again,” said the Conservative MP.
She concluded by expressing her hope of bridging divisions and by highlighting Turkey’s role: “I very much hope that a way can be found to bridge divisions and resolve the questions which remain to be agreed. I would urge all sides to continue to work for a solution. A crucial element of a successful outcome will be cooperation and a reasonable approach from Turkey. If Ankara allows Cypriots the freedom to determine their own future, I believe a settlement is achievable.”
The cross-party delegation was led by Sir Roger Gale MP and included David Burrowes MP, Matthew Offord MP, Stephen Hepburn MP, Steven Paterson MP, Baroness Massey and Christos Karaolis, President of the Federation of Cypriots in the UK.