The election a couple of weeks ago of President Christofias to lead Cyprus for the next five years creates a big opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties between the UK and Cyprus, and to make progress on the stalled talks towards resolution of the longstanding dispute about the governance of Cyprus. The new government has signalled a clear determination to make a priority on both fronts. On the UK's part the strong and historic ties between us, spanning economic, security and culture as well as personal links are good enough reason for progress; the important place of Cyprus in the EU adds a further dimension; and the UN's role in settling the Cyprus dispute is further rationale. We support reunifying the island as a bi-zonal bi-communal federation.
Today in Brussels I was able to take the first steps towards developing this new partnership in meeting Markos Kyprianou, formerly European Commissioner now Cypriot Foreign Minister. The new government in Cyprus is broad based and has been sure footed in its early moves. Our Prime Minister and the President of Cyprus will meet for the first time at the European Council this week. Both are pledged to take forward the relationship.
Posted at 10:17 11 March 2008 by David Miliband | Comments[3]
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