Russia says backdoor Cyprob plan by UK 'unacceptable'

Imposing a blueprint for a Cyprus settlement from the outside is unacceptable, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said Thursday, commenting on reports suggesting a backdoor ‘British plan’ for settling the Cyprus Problem.

Zakharova said Russia supports the efforts of the international community to achieve a fair, viable and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue, but stressed “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.

Zakharova 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.” 

Zakharova stressed that any change in the basic parameters must be reviewed by the UN Security Council, and expressed Moscow’s support for UN resolutions, providing for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Following the recent visit to Cyprus by the UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who held talks with both sides, reports intensified over a plan put forward by the Britain that sought to bridge the divergent positions held by the two sides, mainly tackling Turkey and the north’s recent insistence on sovereign equality.