British official stresses Britain’s great interest in Cyprus solution

Caroline Flint, British Minister for Europe, has reiterated her country’s great interest in a viable and functional solution to the Cyprus issue, and stressed that the United Kingdom will do anything possible to assist efforts towards that direction, Cyprus House President Marios Garoyian has said.

Speaking after a meeting in London on Monday with Flint, Garoyian noted that it was a very interesting and constructive meeting and added: “She told me that the Cyprus issue is high on the Gordon Brown’s government priorities”.

Garoyian briefed Flint about the latest developments in Cyprus issue and the direct negotiation process between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, which begun in early September with a view to find a solution of the Cyprus problem.

House President stressed that the outcome of the negotiations so far is not optimistic, due to the fact that the Turkish side’s proposals aim at a confederation solution.

“Therefore, I have said that the British role should be more effective and efficient, in the framework of Europe and as regards pressure that should be exerted on Turkey, the key holder of the solution”, he added.

Flint expressed pleasure for the opportunity to discuss with the House President the latest developments in Cyprus issue.

Both are looking forward to Flint’s the next visit to Cyprus, on the 8th of February, 2009.