Cyprus

It was disappointing to see the Swiss conference on Cyprus, which aimed to reunite the island, end without agreement last summer. Foreign Office officials regularly discuss how the UK can work towards a just and lasting settlement with their Cypriot and UN counterparts, and these conversations will continue even though these recent talks have failed. 

The House of Lords debated this issue last year, when Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad emphasised the British commitment to securing a just settlement for all Cypriots affected by partition. Lord Ahmad reiterated that the Government does not recognise the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 

I am confident that the Government will continue to work to support a settlement in Cyprus that benefits all Cypriots. Along with our international partners we will press all involved to work towards a settlement.