UK-Turkish deal to leave its marks on Cypriot –British relations

by Kyriakos Tsioupras

London – The strategic partnership agreement signed between Britain and Turkey will leave its marks on the Cypriot-British relations, Cyprus High Commissioner in London George Iacovou has said.
In statements to London Greek Radio (LGR), Iacovou said that Britain had not informed beforehand the Cyprus Government on this agreement. Furthermore he recalled that Britain and Cyprus had agreed in 2005 on a memorandum of understanding with a view to improve relations between the two countries.
Iacovou said that “this action on the part of Britain, to fully align itself with the Turkish positions and pursuits, will of course leave its marks on the Cypriot-British relations.”
The partnership agreement commits Britain and Turkey to take forward work on ending what the Turkish Cypriots call “isolation” and to encourage others in the international community to join them in their efforts.
In the document, London and Ankara say they will work within the UN, the EU and bilaterally to promote direct commercial, economic, political and cultural contacts between the UK, the EU and the Turkish Cypriots.
They will also provide “continued help for ‘TRNC’ authorities/universities in their attempts to engage with the Bologna process” and will uphold “the right of representation of the Turkish Cypriots in the European Parliament”.