BRITISH PRIME Minister Gordon Brown yesterday urged Cypriots to be “bold” and “courageous” in their efforts to reach a deal between the two communities on the island, following talks with President Demetris Christofias at 10 Downing Street.
Brown praised Christofias for his work to progress discussions and encouraged him to resolve the issue.
The PM also confirmed Tuesday’s reports that the UK had re-introduced its 2003 incentive to give almost half of the British Bases territory back to the people of Cyprus.
“It is important that the solution to the Cyprus problem is a Cypriot one – a solution by Cypriots for Cypriots. Nevertheless, as a sign of support for the negotiations, I can confirm that an offer has been made to the United Nations to make available just under 50 per cent of the territory of the UK’s Sovereign Base Areas to a unified Cyprus in the event of a solution,” said Brown.
“It will be up to the two leaders to negotiate what happens with this land. The Sovereign Base Areas would be able to function as normal within a reduced land area. “My message to Cyprus’ leaders and to their people is: you can make history. Be bold, be courageous. The UK will support you,” he added.
Speaking outside Number 10 last night, Christofias said he and Brown fully utilised the 45-minute meeting by having parallel meetings between the two leaders and their aides.
“And I can say we had a very friendly talk, with mutual understanding regarding efforts to solve the Cyprus problem,” said Christofias.
The president noted that Brown said he was ready to help in every direction so a solution could be found as soon as possible.
He added that the solution sought would be based on the provisions set out in the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding signed between the UK and Cyprus.
Standing in front of the world-famous door of the PM’s home, Christofias sent a message to Turkey: “I want to believe that as soon as possible, Turkey will understand its own interest in helping to make progress in the Cyprus problem, because up to now, in my opinion, Turkey is not helping.”
He added: “We need Turkey’s help so Mr (Mehmet Ali) Talat can proceed towards reaching progress for the benefit of both communities to end this tragedy.”
Christofias told reporters that if Turkey helped solve the Cyprus problem, he would become the most fanatic supporter of Turkey’s full accession to the EU.
In a written statement issued later, the president said: “I consider Turkey responsible for the lack of progress. At the same time, Turkey has not met its commitments towards the EU regarding the Ankara Protocol. Time is running out for Turkey on this issue.”
Christofias said he “positively” noted the British offer to the UN regarding part of the British bases. He also briefed Brown on the negotiations, saying some progress had been made in the areas of governance and EU affairs.
However, “with deep sorrow we had to note that in the area of the economy, despite initial promises, there was minimal progress as the Turkish Cypriots have gone back on previous commitments.
“With regret, I informed the Prime Minister that no progress has been made on the issues of property, security, territory and the issue of settlers.”
The team accompanying Christofias included Presidential Commissioner Georgios Iacovou and Cyprus High Commissioner to the UK Alexandros Zinon, while the much-maligned British High Commissioner to Cyprus Peter Millett was also present. No mention was made as to whether Christofias raised the issue with Brown of Millett’s presence last Sunday at the unveiling of a memorial in occupied Kyrenia dedicated to British soldiers killed during the anti-colonial struggle.
Back in Cyprus, the reaction to the British proposal on the bases was lukewarm. Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou told Reuters: “What Britain can do if it wants to effectively help this process is to exert influence and encourage Turkey to be more accommodating on the talks,” while Turkish Cypriot leader Talat said: “We have not discussed this among ourselves. Hence it is not possible to make an extensive assessment on the subject.”
Among the Greek Cypriot parties, the general response was that solving the problem was key, and called on Britain and Turkey to do what they could to help solve it.
