Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak express commitment to Cyprus and British Cypriot Community
Conservative Party leadership candidates, the Rt Hon Liz Truss MP and the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, have set out their commitment to Cyprus and the British Cypriot community as they seek to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
In letters addressed to CFC Executive Chairman Jason Charalambous, the two contenders set out their position should they succeed in the leadership contest.
*Please note that the Conservative Friends of Cyprus maintains a neutral position in the leadership contest and is not endorsing any candidate.
For ease, the full text from each letter is as follows:
Dear Conservative Friends of Cyprus,
The UK and Cyprus share long lasting bonds of friendship and cooperation, both at government level and most importantly in our people-to-people links. This is personified in the vibrant Cypriot community in the UK and the large British expat community living in Cyprus.
The historic relationship between the two countries is a special and close one, and one which I would like to see strengthened further.
As Foreign Secretary, I recognise the value that Cyprus brings as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and its positive engagement with countries of the region. I also pay tribute to the dynamism and success of the British Cypriot community, which contributes enormously to all sectors of our economy, society, and public life - and is a hugely valued part of the social fabric of this country.
As Prime Minister I would seek to further expand and strengthen the close bilateral ties between the UK and Cyprus, and for the UK to continue to contribute in a positive and constructive manner to the efforts to work towards a negotiated solution to reunify the island and its people within the established UN framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation - which remains the clear position of the UK government.
I am also clear on the need to avoid further actions that infringe international law and UN security council resolutions either in Cyprus or in the wider eastern Mediterranean. As Prime Minister, I would continue to support Cyprus in its efforts for reunification under international law and in helping find a peaceful and lasting solution.
I applaud the efforts of the Conservative Friends of Cyprus, chaired by Jason Charalambous, for the important role they play within the Conservative Party and the British Cypriot community, and the crucial work they do in strengthening the special relationship between the UK and Cyprus.
Yours,
Rt Hon Liz Truss MP
..
Dear Jason
Thank you for writing to me recently. The British Cypriot community has made a hugely positive contribution to the United Kingdom and I am glad to have the opportunity to write back and set out my views in relation to Cyprus.
First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the pain and hurt caused by the invasion of 1974. Many Cypriots had to flee their homes and have never been allowed to return. Others suffered the loss of loved ones, some of whom are still missing, and they deserve answers. All sides should engage with efforts to establish the fate of the missing people.
Secondly, I believe that the British government should support Cypriots in their efforts to reunite their island. I want to see a negotiated settlement, reflecting UN resolutions and leading to a bizonal, bicommunal federal state with a single citizenship and international legal personality. I welcome the willingness of the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, to resume negotiations and I hope the Turkish Cypriot side will agree to this. I know that our government sought to progress the issue through participation in talks between the two sides in 2020 and 2021, and under my leadership it would do so again if an appropriate opportunity arose.
Thirdly, I believe that the Turkish Cypriot side should refrain from provocative actions that undermine trust and goodwill and thus render negotiations more difficult - for example, in the resort of Varosha, and in the waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone, which the Turkish side should respect and where it should discontinue drilling activities.
Finally, Britain’s close and long-standing relationship with Cyprus is important to me, and a government under my leadership would continue to work closely with it in international organisations such as the Commonwealth.
Let me close by offering my congratulations on CFCyprus’s 30th anniversary. It does great work under the leadership of my good friend Theresa Villiers and is an important part of the Conservative family. I wish you all well for the next 30 years!
With best wishes
Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP