The Republic of Cyprus, being a full EU member state, will do its utmost to ensure the interests of its citizens living in the UK, through the exit negotiations process between the UK and the EU, Cypriot High Commissioner in London, Evripides Evriviades has said.

In an interview with CNA, following the British vote to exit the EU block, Evriviades said that although there is some uncertainty as regards the future relation of the UK with the EU, there is no reason for panic for Cypriot students or employees in the UK.

“There is a certain degree of uncertainty. Particularly as regards to future fees and in terms of the loans for students taken in the European context. But there is no reason for any panic. The entire exit process will take years”, he explained.

In addition, he told CNA that neither should Cypriots working in the UK panic, noting that people who are already in the UK will continue their jobs as usual.

The High Commissioner noted that many issues will depend on the final agreement between the EU-27 and the UK.

“Cyprus, being an EU Member State will do everything possible to ensure the interests of our citizens living in the UK through this process”, he underlined.

Asked how Cypriots in the UK have voted, he said that in the areas where Cypriots live, especially in London and other major cities, the overwhelming majority of citizens voted in favor of the UK remaining in the EU.

He recalled that the UK Cypriots strongly supported the Bremain, saying that this reflects the close bilateral relations between the two states and their interests particularly as regards the economic and trade cooperation.

Asked how Brussels should now manage the British vote, Evriviades said that the EU must learn some lessons out of this experience, noting that the EU should come closer to the people`s needs and continue its efforts for more democracy.