Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, the UK’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, met with the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Peter Droussiotis, this week to discuss Cyprus and issues affecting the British Cypriot community, at which Mr Alexander expressed a keen interest in developments relating to Cyprus.

Speaking after the meeting the Shadow Foreign Secretary said: “The Labour Party values and appreciates the Cypriot community’s vital contribution to British society. I was delighted to meet with Peter Droussiotis, who is a great representative of the British Cypriot community here in the UK, and a persuasive advocate for a reunified Cyprus.
 
“My party remains fully committed to the UN-led negotiating process currently under way and will hold the Coalition Government to account regarding Britain’s responsibilities as a Guarantor Power in Cyprus. I believe that the UK can do more to encourage all parties, including Turkey, to play a constructive role and I will continue to press the case for a united island both with the British Government and within the EU.”

Peter Droussiotis expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, saying “Douglas Alexander is an intellectual force within the Labour Party and a highly principled politician with whom we need to engage. I look forward to developing our dialogue in the future both in relation to Cyprus as well as on other foreign policy issues.”
 
“It has long been the policy of our Federation to engage not only with the British government but also with opposition parties, to ensure that Cyprus remains high on the UK’s foreign policy agenda and I feel assured that Mr Alexander will play his part in making representations to that end.”
 
The meeting took place in Parliament on Tuesday 10 July.