The UK "strongly supports talks to reunify Cyprus," said British Foreign Office Minister in charge of Europe, David Lidington.
As part of a series of several meetings in London, the negotiator for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Kudret Ozersay met with British Foreign Office Minister in charge of Europe, David Lidington on Tuesday.
"The UK strongly supports the efforts of the two communities to reunify their island," Lidington said in a statement released by the Foreign Office. "This current opportunity must be seized to deliver a comprehensive settlement for the benefit of all Cypriots."
Saying that he encouraged Ozersay "to redouble his efforts for peace", Lidington added, "I hope that both sides will negotiate all issues in good faith. I reiterated the UK's support for the Turkish Cypriot community's desire to take up their place in the European family through a settlement. The UK hopes that talks under UN auspices will make concrete progress before the summer."
Furthermore, Lidington is expected to meet with the Greek Cypriot negotiator, Andreas Mavroyiannis, on June 12 to discuss the Cypriot issue.
Cyprus has remained divided into Greek and Turkish parts since a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by a Turkish peace mission to aid Turkish Cypriots in the north in 1974.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized solely by Turkey, whereas the Greek Cypriot administration is an EU member and recognized internationally.
www.aa.com.tr/en
