The UK's position regarding the non-recognition of the illegal entity in the occupied northern part of Cyprus remains unchanged, the Cyprus News Agency has been told following Turkish President Erdogan's call at the UN General Assembly for the international community to recognise the so-called 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'. The policy of the UK on Cyprus is long-standing, well-documented and remains unchanged, a diplomatic source in London remarked. 'We continue to fully recognise the 1960 Treaty concerning the Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus,' they added. At the same time, the UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty stated that the UK 'stands steadfastly aligned with international responses' to the issue of Varosha and Famagusta, pointing to several UN Security Council Resolutions, notably including 550 (1984) and 789 (1992), alongside the 2021 UN Security Council Presidential Statement, 'all of which we continue to support'. The Minister was responding to correspondence by the pro-Cypriot north London Conservative MP Theresa Villiers on behalf of her constituent Antonis Savvides, a refugee from Famagusta. Docherty also referenced the 12 July press statement on Cyprus issued by the UK, as UNSC President, stressing the need to avoid unilateral actions which could raise tensions on the island and undermine the prospects for a peaceful Settlement. He went on to say he recognised that the events of 1974 'continue to cast a long shadow' over Cyprus. He also stressed that the UK has taken 'a leading role' over the last 49 years in pursuing peace in Cyprus. 'In 1974, the UK led the international response to Turkish actions, including through drafting UNSCR 353 calling for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops,' said the Minister for Europe. Responding to issues raised on property in the occupied north, he described them as 'one of the most complex and sensitive subjects in the Cyprus Problem', adding that the UK believes they can only be fully solved as part of a comprehensive settlement. 'Our commitment to support this through the UN-led process remains unwavering. Ultimately, it is for the Cypriot communities to decide the terms of any Settlement, and we continue to encourage all sides to redouble efforts in pursuit of this,' concluded Docherty. 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.

Source: Cyprus News Agency