The positions of the British Government on the solution model of the Cyprus issue and on the non-recognition of the pseudo-state were repeated by Foreign Office officials in response to parliamentary questions. They estimated that a way could be found to restart the negotiations.
When asked by the Marquess of Lothian in the House of Lords about the current state of relations between the two communities in Cyprus and whether London has any new proposals for confidence-building measures, the Under Secretary of State Lord Ahmed replied that "we remain committed to supporting the efforts of the United Nations to achieve a just and lasting solution in Cyprus, within the parameters of the United Nations, based on the model of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality and we are in dialogue with all sides on this".
Lord Ahmad added that while differences remain between the sides' positions, the British Government believes that "sufficient common ground can be found to begin formal negotiations".
He concluded that the details of a solution and interim confidence-building measures were up to community leaders and that "the UK, as a guarantor power, remains committed to supporting a return to negotiated solution".
In the House of Commons Conservative MP Paul Bristow asked whether any assessment had been made of the potential impact on trade in the Eastern Mediterranean from a recognition of the "tdvk" - as the pseudo-state was referred to.
Taking it upon himself to respond, Europe Minister Leo Doherty emphasized that, like the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the United Kingdom does not recognize the self-proclaimed "tdvk" as an independent state.
He added that London recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as the sovereign authority on the island of Cyprus and referred to Security Council resolutions and other multilateral agreements that limit the United Kingdom's ties with the northern part of Cyprus.
"We still believe that a just and lasting solution in Cyprus is the best way to resolve the difficulties caused by the division of the island," concluded the British Minister for Europe.
Source: KYPE
