Britain reiterates opposition to Cyprus’ partition

British High Commissioner Peter Millett reiterated today London’s opposition to partition in Cyprus, stressing that the perception that “we are in some sort of upgrading the north is completely wrong”.

Speaking at a reception at the High Commission, Millett also reiterated “yet again our firm commitment, our determination to work with Cyprus as one of your best friends within the European Union”.

Correcting some misperceptions, as he said, the High Commissioner expressed commitment to implementing a UN-brokered agreement in July last year, aiming to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations leading to a solution that would reunite the country.

“There are no ifs or buts or caveats to that. I hope it will be done in the next few weeks but at the very least we are looking to 2008 as a significant year we want to see real progress on real issues of substance we will support the UN efforts towards that direction,” Millett said.

As regards the perception that Britain tries to upgrade the illegal regime in northern Turkish occupied Cyprus, he noted that “contact with the Turkish Cypriot community does not mean recognition”.

“We will also continue our efforts to persuade Turkey to implement its EU obligations both towards the EU and of course within that the important obligations which are clear towards Cyprus and this is an important role which we can play, and it is a joint strategic objective after all for both London and Nicosia and we will continue to play our role in that”, he said.

The High Commissioner, who had meetings in London on Monday “with Ministers and key people who have a close interest in Cyprus”, concluded by saying that Britain wishes to continue the programme of bilateral assistance which is working very well in many areas.

“Just as an example, some weeks ago, I wrote to the Minister of Agriculture saying that we are the country that unfortunately has the best or most detailed experience for Food and Mouth Disease (FMD). Let’s share our experience, this is something we have learnt from our own mistakes, we are very happy to share them. We have an awful lot to celebrate and awful lot to share we want to continue working in a constructive environment”, High Commissioner Peter Millett told reporters.

The reception was hosted to bid farewell to the High Commission’s spokesman Nigel Boud and to welcome his successor Paul Lakin.