Imposing a blueprint for a Cyprus settlement from the outside is unacceptable, the Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said, commenting on reports about a “British plan” for settling the Cyprus issue. She also expressed Moscow’s support for UN resolutions, providing for a bizonal bicommunal federation and said that any change in the basic parameters must be reviewed by the UN Security Council.
 
Speaking during the Foreign Ministry briefing, on Thursday, Zakharova said that Russia supports the efforts of the international community to achieve a fair, viable and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue. “However, as we have said many times, there should be no pressure on either party. It is unacceptable to impose a blueprint on them for a settlement from the outside or rigid deadlines or tailor UN assistance to the indicators of progress at the talks” she added.

The Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman also said that Cypriots themselves must assess the various external promptings on the alternatives for a settlement. “As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, we advocate the modalities endorsed by the resolutions of the UN Security Council, which imply the creation of a dual zone and a two-community federation with common international legal standing, sovereignty and citizenship based on agreements to be reached by both Cypriot communities,” she added.
 
She concluded by saying that any change in the basic parameters must be reviewed by the UN Security Council.
 
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.