David Burrowes MP

Conservative Party | Enfield Southgate

Burrowes Calls on Foreign Secretary to make solution to Cyprus problem a priority

In response to a question from David Burrowes on talks on the status of Cyprus, Foreign Secretary David Miliband stated that the Prime Minister had met with the new Cypriot Prime Minister, and had made clear that the UK supported a bi-zonal process. He went on to say that the UN mission, due to arrive in Cyprus shortly, would be an important part of that.

David Burrowes MP raised the issue during Foreign Office Questions yesterday:

Mr. David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): Will the Foreign Secretary join me in welcoming the agreement made on Friday between President Christofias and Mr. Talat to resume talks on reunifying Cyprus? Given Britain’s role as guarantor and the substantial number of Cypriots in our community — predominantly in my constituency—will the Foreign Secretary make it a priority to solve the Cyprus problem?

David Miliband: I am very glad that the hon. Gentleman has been able to raise this important issue. The Prime Minister had the chance to meet the new President of Cyprus at the European Council last week, and I have been able to have a meeting with the new Cypriot Foreign Minister. The consistent message that we have given to both of them is that we want to do everything possible to support the determination of the new Government in Cyprus to exploit the opening that now exists for a bi-zonal, bi-communal solution in that area. My right hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Joan Ryan) is playing an important role as the Prime Minister’s special representative on the issue. We are as determined as the whole House is to ensure that there is a restart of these processes. The mission of the UN, which is due in Cyprus very soon, represents an important contribution towards that aim.

Speaking afterwards David said:

"It is vital that the 'window of opportunity' presented by the meeting between Chrisofias and Talat is made the most of over the coming weeks and months. I am pleased that the Foreign Secretary recognised the importance of reaching a settlement and I will continue to press the Government to make the reunification of Cyprus a priority"