The UK Minister of State, Baroness Joyce Anne Anelay has said that the British government has given 4.2 million pounds sterling in aid to the Turkish Cypriot community since 2004, ‘Kibris Postasi’ reports.

In a written reply to a question submitted the day before yesterday at the House of Lords, Baroness Anelay noted that these projects were added to the EU support program for the Turkish Cypriot community and their aim was to help the Turkish Cypriots prepare for a comprehensive solution in Cyprus.

The question had been submitted by Lord Kenneth Maginnis, who asked the Minister to evaluate the situation of the human rights of the Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus since 1960. Baroness Anelay who studied at Enfield County School  said that the human rights of both communities have been affected by the inter-communal tension and added that the British government shares the UN’s view that the ongoing division of the island constitutes an obstacle for all Cypriots fully enjoying their human rights.

Replying to another question, Baroness Anelay noted that Cyprus and Turkey accept the political, economic and security benefits of a solution and claimed that both community leaders have repeatedly reiterated their wish for the reunification of Cyprus. She said that they encourage the communities to continue their dialogue under the auspices of the UN for reaching a comprehensive solution.