Britain says it is not interfering in the Cyprus issue
BRITAIN IS not interfering in efforts for a Cyprus settlement or giving any specific proposals, said British High Commissioner Peter Millett yesterday.
Speaking ahead of President Demetris Christofias’ meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London tomorrow, the High Commissioner, keen to end reports that Britain was acting as some sort of mediator, stressed that the process was currently in the hands of the working groups, not members of the international community.
Millett said Brown and Foreign Secretary David Miliband “are looking forward to the meeting” with Christofias and his team and “to building on the meetings they had in the past”.
“It’s an opportunity to rebuild links and express strong support for the process that started on March 21,” he added.
The meeting with Brown will mark Christofias’ first official visit to the United Kingdom, after a long period of strained relations between the two countries. During the previous government’s term in office meetings between the political leaders were rare occasions while snubbing measures were also adopted during critically difficult moments.
The President and British Prime Minister are expected to discuss the Cyprus problem, bilateral ties, European Union issues, Turkish EU accession and global issues like oil and food prices.
The desire for a meeting emanated from London almost immediately after Christofias’ election, highlighting the stark contrast in relations with the outgoing president.
Following the opening of Ledra Street and the launch of the working groups and technical committees’ process, Christofias has been widely commended by the international community for the steps taken towards bringing the two sides closer.
However, there has been much talk in the press about divergent views between Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat over how the two communities will unite under one roof. Talat has referred to the “virgin birth” of a new state, but it seems more likely that any new entity will grow out of the Republic of Cyprus, given its EU membership. The Accession Treaty specifically deals with the status of the north in Protocol 10, referring to it as the areas of the Republic where the government has no “effective control”. Given the island’s legal status in the EU, it would take a truly immaculate conception to create a completely new state.
DISY President Nicos Anastassiades yesterday expressed his support to the President for staying on the right course regarding the Cyprus conflict.
He hoped the meeting with Brown “will take place in a constructive climate, where the British government will clarify its specific positions and take on board its responsibilities regarding Cyprus.”
Christofias leaves for London today. Following his meeting with Brown, he will have separate meetings with Miliband and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Kamalesh Sharma.
The President will be accompanied by Foreign Minister, Markos Kyprianou, Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou and Government Spokesman, Stephanos Stephanou.
During his stay, Christofias will also inaugurate the new Cypriot High Commission building this afternoon.
