Τhe British government recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus only to develop potential hydrocarbon reserves in its exclusive economic zone, Britain`s Minister for Europe David Lidington said on Wednesday.
Lidington, who met here this morning with President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, expressed hope that the UN-led Cyprus peace talks can be restarted “as soon as possible”.
He also noted that “the bilateral relationship has never been stronger”.
Apart from the Cyprus issue and bilateral relations, the two men also discussed European and international affairs.
Asked if he discussed with President Anastasiades any proposal on how to overcome the current impasse in the negotiations, taking into account Turkey`s presence in the EEZ, Lidington said that “we talked about a number of issues, [that have] to do with hopes for a resumption of the settlement talks”.
He said that the Joint Declaration, agreed by Cyprus` leaders last February, was a very significant step forward and noted that the UK wants to see progress “at the earliest possible date”.
Outlining the policy of the British government on Cyprus` hydrocarbon reserves, the Europe Minister said that “we recognise the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus and the right of the Republic of Cyprus – and only of the Republic of Cyprus – to develop whatever hydrocarbons there might be in those waters”.
He went on to say that Britain`s consistent view on hydrocarbon resources is that they should be used for the benefit of all Cypriots. “A settlement would enable everybody in Cyprus to benefit from the greater prosperity that would flow from the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources and the potential to develop Cyprus as an energy hub for the entire Eastern Mediterranean region” he noted.
Asked if Britain supports a discussion of this issue in the framework of UN-led negotiations, Lidington replied: “it is not for the UK to prescribe how the parties should get back to settlement talks”.
He said that these matters were discussed with President Anastasiades, with the British Minister “listening closely to his ideas about the way forward”. Lidington added that he will discuss the matter also with UN SG`s Special Advisor for Cypus Espen Barth Eide and wants to listen to the views of the Turkish Cypriot leadership as well.
The Minister noted that his country`s role “has always been to hope for a successful outcome to the settlement talks” and added that “it`s not our job to lay down how that should be achieved”.
He underlined that talks are a Cypriot-led process, and must remain so in order to have a lasting settlement and noted the important role the UN has to play in facilitating this process. “We are giving our full support to what Mr. Eide is doing” said Lidington.
The two men talked about the technical assistance the UK is offering to Cyprus to modernize government structures, bilateral economic and commercial relationship, as well as cooperation in combating international terrorism.
Lidington said that they also discussed international issues, such as the Middle East and the rise of ISIL, as well as Russia`s aggression in Ukraine.
The meeting was attended by Cyprus` Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides and Britain`s High Commissioner Ric Todd.