The UK Labour Party has set out three tests for the UK Government ahead of the 5+1 talks on Cyprus, that begin in Geneva on Tuesday.
According to the British major opposition party, to ensure a lasting and just settlement for the island of Cyprus, the UK Government must:
Make clear its support for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal political settlement with political equality, in line with its historic obligations as a guarantor power and in line with existing UN Resolutions.
Call on the Turkish Government to begin a phased withdrawal of all military personnel from the island of Cyprus, including the resort of Varosha, and end all drilling in the Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
Ensure international law is upheld throughout the negotiations and not support any political settlement that undermines the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.
Fabian Hamilton MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament, said: “These talks are a crucial opportunity to make progress towards a political settlement for the island of Cyprus. As a guarantor power with historic legal commitments to Cyprus, the UK Government has a responsibility to take them seriously”.
“It’s vital that the UK Government sticks to its longstanding obligations to the people of Cyprus to ensure both sides can come to a lasting and meaningful political settlement, which is in the interests of regional stability.”
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 UN Secretary-General invited all parties involved to attend an informal five-plus-one meeting on the Cyprus issue in Geneva, Switzerland, from 27 to 29 April 2021.