The UK Government has reassured UK Cypriots that it remains focused on supporting “all sides to reach a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus that will benefit all Cypriots.”The statement has come in a letter by the Foreign Office addressed to the President of The Greek Cypriot Brotherhood Tony Yerolemou.
The letter also states that “the UK will encourage the parties to demonstrate their renewed commitment to the process by working towards a resumption of talks in the coming months and stands ready to discuss with the parties how we can support progress.”
The Foreign Office letter is a response to the resolution of the Brotherhood’s Annual General Meeting which was forwarded by Yerolemou to Prime Minister Theresa May.
The resolution urged May to “ensure that your Government remains committed to the UK’s obligations as set out in international law and the Treaty of Guarantee.”
It added: “The UK’s continued, constructive contribution will be the key to progress. This needs to include openly condemning Turkey’s series of illegal and aggressive actions that occurred in Cyprus’ EEZ in the strongest possible terms. President Tayyip Erdogan must also be condemned for his bellicose rhetoric towards Cyprus and international companies.”
The Foreign Office response notes that since the breakdown of the Conference on Cyprus in July, the UK Government “has been urging all parties to avoid words or actions that will make resumption of the talks harder.”
The letter states that a settlement would be the most sustainable means of addressing the “isolation” of communities on the island, and that London believes that all parties are “serious about wanting a settlement.”
It adds that a settlement will require “tough choices and compromises”, but that with political will a settlement remains “within reach”.
Regarding Cyprus’ EEZ, the Foreign Office reiterates its recognition of the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereign right to exploit its natural resources and restates that the UK “wants to see exploration go ahead.”
“We believe Cyprus’ hydrocarbons should be developed for the benefit of all Cypriots and urge all parties t look for ways by which the development of hydrocarbons can support the search of a settlement,” it is stated.
The latter statement was separately repeated by a Foreign Office spokesperson as a response to journalists on Friday evening who enquired about London’s view of the recent tension in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The spokesperson added: “We urge both Greece and Turkey to show restraint, de-escalate and continue to talk to each other to find solutions.”