Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has asked his British counterpart, Boris Johnson for his country`s support in the termination of Turkey`s guarantees. Kasoulides and Johnson met on Monday in Brussels, at the request of the latter, discussing developments in Cyprus talks.

According to an official, Kasoulides briefed Johnson over the progress in settlement talks and on the latest developments in negotiations that took place in Switzerland and which are set to continue next week.

The Foreign Minister of Cyprus referred extensively to the issues related to the chapter of security, and asked for Britain’s support on the issue of guarantees and the full withdrawal of the Turkish troops from Cyprus.

With the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, Greece, Turkey and the UK were all responsible for guaranteeing the independence, territorial integrity and security of the Republic of Cyprus. However, Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island`s northern third. The leaders of Cyprus have been engaged in UN-led negotiations since May last year, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.