UK strongly supports Cyprus talks resumption

UK Minister for Europe has expressed the British government’s strong support for the resumption of talks towards a settlement to the long-standing Cyprus issue. Sir Alan Duncan was responding to a written question submitted by MP Bambos Charalambous.

The Enfield Southgate Labour MP had enquired about “recent diplomatic steps taken to support a negotiated solution to the conflict in Cyprus.”

Sir Alan responded: “We strongly support a settlement. We continue to judge that, with political will, a settlement remains within reach. We have encouraged the Cypriot communities to work towards a resumption of talks and stand ready to discuss how we can support progress.”

London-born Charalambous is of Cypriot descent as both his parents are from Cyprus and he was elected a north London MP in 2017.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated UN-led rounds of peace talks have so far failed to lead to a comprehensive settlement that would reunite the country under a federal roof.

The last UN push for peace ended in acrimony during a summit in Switzerland last July - there has been no significant movement since then.