British MPs express UK support in efforts to solve Cyprus problem
House of Commons All Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus (APPG-CYP) Members underlined here on Wednesday support and solidarity of the United Kingdom in the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem
According to a press release by the House of Representatives an APPG-CYP delegation that pays a visit to Cyprus met today in the Parliament with Chairman Harris Georgiades and Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs George Loucaides, Marina Nikolaou and Kostis Efstathiou. MP Alexandra Attalides also participated in the meeting.
Welcoming the delegation, Georgiades referred to Cyprus’ goal of becoming a pillar of stability and security in the turbulent Eastern Mediterranean region.
He noted at the same time that the Turkey’s intransigent attitude, ongoing violations of human rights in Cyprus and its constant threats against the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus hinder any efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.
The Chairman of Foreign and European Affairs Committee also said that the offer of incentives for the resumption of negotiations should aim to create a positive climate, without operating counterproductively in terms of the intended result.
Head of the British delegation, Caroline Nokes, underlined the support and solidarity of the United Kingdom and in particular of the members of the Group in the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.
In the discussion that followed, Cypriot MPs noted that there is no conflict between the two communities in Cyprus, however the perpetuation of the status quo intensifies insecurity and uncertainty and cannot continue while underlining the urgent need to find a sustainable solution as soon as possible, on the basis of the principles of international law.
British MPs said that 50 years of invasion and occupation is too much and expressed their support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi-zonal bi-communal federation. At the same time, they condemned the efforts of the Turkish side to open and exploit the fenced-off area of Turkish occupied Famagusta, known as Varosha, for tourism, as well as the propaganda and disinformation practices used by the Turkish occupying regime and Turkey, in their attempt to influence Members of the British Parliament.
During the meeting, issues of regional interest were also discussed, mainly situation in the Middle East.
The British delegation consists of Caroline Nokes (Conservative Party) Group Chairman Sir Roger Gale (Conservative Party), Honorary Group Chairman Fabian Hamilton (Labour Party) Group Vice-Chairman Bambos Charalambous (Labour Party) Honorary Group Secretary and the Member, Paulette Hamilton (Labour). British MPs are accompanied by the President of the National Federation of Cypriots of the United Kingdom, Christos Karaolis.
APPG Delegation also met Head of the Cypriot delegation to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
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APPG Members also met with Head of the Cypriot delegation to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Aristos Damianou.
A House press release notes that during the meeting, Damianou referred to the long-term cooperation between the House of Representatives and the British Parliament, which remains important, especially after the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.
Cypriot MP also underlined the emphasis that the Cypriot Parliament attaches to its participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the corresponding cooperation that exists with the British Branch of the Association, through its institutions.
For her part, Head of the Group Caroline Nokes expressed the desire for further developing relations between the two parliaments, as well as the commitment of the Group for thorough information regarding the Cyprus issue within the British Parliament, especially in view of the upcoming elections in the United Kingdom.
British MPs also informed Damianou about the progress of a bill in the British Parliament, regarding the change in the legal status of the CPA.
Damianou and British MPs also exchanged views on the actions being developed in the context of the Network of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, particularly in areas such as gender equality and human rights.
