The Greek Cypriot Brotherhood sent the following resolution to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak:

Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing on behalf the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, the oldest Cypriot diaspora organisation, that was established in London in 1934 to promote and advance the interests of the Cypriot community.
At our Annual General Meeting on 3 March 2024, on the tragic 50th anniversary of Turkey’s illegal invasion and continued occupation of Cyprus, our members resolved to call upon our Government and you as Prime Minister, to ensure that the UK remains committed to its obligations to Cyprus, as set out in international law and the Treaty of Guarantee. This is especially important now, with the new impetus created by the appointed of the new UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus.
The UK has had longstanding historic, economic, social and cultural links with Cyprus. Therefore, the UK Government continues to play a crucial role in securing a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem. The UK is a guarantor power, with bases on Cyprus, is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a member of the G7 and a leader in the Commonwealth: no other state has such vested interests in Cyprus.
Russia’s recent illegal invasion of Ukraine reminded many in our diaspora of Turkey’s illegal invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Following Russia’s invasion, the UK, rightly, led the international response against Russia and rejected its expansionist proclamations stating that “violent territorial aggression does not reap rewards”. At this crucial time, the UK must be consistent in this message vis-à-vis Turkey, as Turkey’s invasion and on-going occupation of Cyprus has now lasted for almost 50 years. Therefore, we urge the UK to hold the same standards when it comes to Turkey, specifically ensuring that Turkey:
– Returns to the negotiating table on the basis of the agreed UN framework, specifically a bi- zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality and a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship – as set out in relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions;
– Reverses any partitionist actions that seek to create fait accomplis, including the illegal re- opening of part of the fenced off area of Varosha, which must be strongly opposed;
– Implements UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus, including on Varosha
– Accepts that as a modern and free country, a reunified Cyprus does not require guarantor powers as part of its security framework.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, has already expressed his desire to restart negotiations, as soon as possible, from the point at which they stopped in Crans Montana. We urge you and His Majesty’s Government to actively support the UN-led efforts to restart talks and ensure that Turkey returns to the negotiating table, to reach a solution within the agreed UN framework.
A re-united Cyprus where all Cypriots could peacefully live and prosper is both attainable and viable. It would also offer a beacon of hope for Christians, Muslims and all faiths to live peacefully together in a part of the world which has become unaccustomed to such a reality.
We recognise and appreciate the difficult issues that the Government is currently addressing. However, at this critical juncture for Cyprus, and 50 years after Turkey’s illegal occupation of the northern third of Cyprus commenced, our members urge you, as Prime Minister, to act in the interest of international law, human rights and justice. We urge you to redouble your efforts and the actions of His Majesty’s Government to deliver a free, united, independent Cyprus; where the human rights of all Cypriots are respected, and refugees are allowed to return to their homes safely.

Yours sincerely,
Aris Charalambides – President

Andreas Karaolis – Secretary