The UK fully supports the ongoing efforts for a settlement of the Cyprus issue, Spokesman of the British High Commission in Nicosia, Michael Howes has said, noting that the talks are a Cypriot – led process.
In statements to CNA after he received a delegation of the Turkish-occupied town of Morphou, headed by Mayor Charalambos Pittas, Howes said that during the meeting he heard the views of the delegation on the settlement process and took the opportunity to reiterate London`s full support towards a settlement.
He also said that Britain supports the courageous efforts of the leaders of the two communities, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, who are engaged in a new effort since May 2015.
Howes also invited all parties involved to support the talks, noting that it is a Cypriot led process.
During the meeting, the Morphou Mayor handed over a resolution to the British Prime Minister and asked for more pressure to be exerted on Ankara so that it contributes actively to the efforts for a solution.
August 16 marks the 41st anniversary since the city and the area of Morphou was occupied by advancing Turkish troops, that had invaded the Republic of Cyprus almost a month earlier, on July 20, 1974.
Pittas also said that it is a shame that the international community and the European Union accept the continuation of the Turkish occupation of 37% of Cyprus` territory, noting that Cyprus is an EU member state and Turkey aspires to become one.
Britain, he went on to say, being an EU member state but also as Cyprus` guarantor power, has the responsibility to work harder for the achievement of a solution.
Speaking also at the meeting, former mayor of Morphou and former Cypriot Member of the European Parliament, Antigoni Papadopoulou, said that the Cyprus problem is not a bicommunal issue, it is an international one since one state invaded and still illegally occupies territory of an other state.
She recalled Turkey`s crimes in Cyprus, the violation of human rights and the destruction of Cyprus` cultural heritage and said that Cyprus was expecting the international community, the EU and the guarantor powers to offer more support for justice in Cyprus.
Referring to the ongoing Cyprus talks, Papadopoulou said that if their outcome is a just and viable solution, which respects human rights, then the people of Morphou will vote in favor of it.
The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, is divided by Turkish troops since 1974. Turkey, which aspires to become an EU member state, violates human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cyprus, despite numerous international resolutions.