British MPs, who participated in a meeting in London on the Cyprus problem, expressed their full support to the stance of the Greek Cypriot side in talks for a Cyprus settlement.
They also deplored Turkey's stance, noting that the key to a solution lies with Ankara and that Britain and the US can and must help towards achieving a settlement.
Opening the discussion in a parliament hall, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom Peter Droussiotis, who presided over the meeting, said ''Turkey has created an illegal regime and is trying to change the demography of the occupied areas and destroy its cultural heritage.''
''This by a country knocking at the door of Europe. A Europeanised Turkey which fulfils a positive role, a democratic Turkey, is a strategic imperative even more so for a small island like Cyprus whose existence and survival depends not on military might but on international law. Turkey has a unique opportunity with the direct negotiations to demonstrate that it can change. The UK, a close ally of Turkey, with historic responsibilities to Cyprus, must exert real pressure on the Turkish government to support in deeds the true unity of the island,'' he added.
Labour MP Eddie O'Hara paid tribute to President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias for his integrity, consistency and indefatigability in conducting the talks, adding that Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has not a free hand, Ankara has it, and Turkey cannot be allowed to enter the EU without the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Conservative MP Roger Gale said he has a huge admiration for President Christofias for his tenacity and determination in the talks but Talat cannot deliver, since ''the solution lies with Turkey and beyond, I believe it lies with the USA.''
Labour MP Rudi Vis said that the EU should stop entry negotiations with Turkey until it solves the Cyprus problem and its internal problems.
Conservative MP Nigel Waterson said that he is pleased with the small progress made at the talks although he realises that Turkey is a limiting factor.
Labour MP Joan Ryan, who served as Special Representative of the Prime Minister on Cyprus, praised President Christofias for insisting on the talks because it is the only way for reaching a solution, noting that whenever a British Minister meets a Turkish counterpart the Cyprus issue is on the agenda.
She expressed certainty that the new Minister for Europe Glynis Kinnock will show strong support for Cyprus as the previous Ministers did.
Labour MP David Lepper said that Turkey thinks the world will forget about Cyprus by showing signs of modernising and by presenting itself as a player on the international stage, noting that persistence and dedication will make sure this will not happen.
Conservative MP and Shadow Secretary for Transport Theresa Villiers said that the international community and the British governments have failed Cyprus, adding that the issue will continue to be a priority for her and that she supports President Christofias' stand on the talks.
Labour MP Andrew Love said he is a 100% supporter of President Christofias and his government, noting that every effort should be made in exercising all possible influence on Turkey and that the window of opportunity that exists now may not be there forever.
Conservative MP and Shadow Minister for Justice David Barrowes said that the National Federation should try and lobby all candidates for the next general election.
Ex Labour MP Tom Cox said that both Labour governments have failed Cyprus, which deserves better.
The gathering was also attended by Labour MPs Jimmy Wright and Jimmy Sheridan, who did not take the floor, as well as Cyprus' General Consul Evangelos Savva.
Before the gathering, an event was held outside the parliament for the missing persons, with the distribution of leaflets and a live presentation.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.
