UK political actors share their messages for Cyprus independence anniversary
CNA/Thanasis Gavos - UK/London 01/10/2020
The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK has received messages from the main UK political actors on the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
On behalf of the UK Government, Minister for European Neighbourhood Wendy Morton has congratulated the Cypriot government and people.
She said that “the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus share a special and unique bond that stems from our shared history, close people-to-people links and common values, including as members of the Commonwealth. Today, on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of Independence, I am proud to say that these bonds have never been stronger. Over the past year, we have seen even closer cooperation between our two countries, particularly in response to the on-going pandemic and with the arrangement on non-military development of the Sovereign Base Areas. Our ongoing bilateral co-operation in areas of education and tourism, trade and investment, and defence and security is of great benefit to our two countries and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus. We hope to deepen our bilateral relationship even further in the years to come.”
On behalf of the Labour Party, Catherine West, Shadow Minister for Europe and Fabian Hamilton, Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament have sent their heartfelt wishes to the Republic of Cyprus, its people and its diaspora.
“As a longstanding friend and supporter of the Republic of Cyprus, the Labour party recognises and celebrates its achievements over the past 60 years, including the strong people-to-people, trading and security partnerships. Whilst the Republic of Cyprus has faced a number of challenges since independence, it is a stable and predictable ally of the UK, in an otherwise troubled part of the world.
“We also fully respect the special historic and treaty obligations that the UK has towards the Republic of Cyprus and therefore, on this anniversary, we would like to reiterate our steadfast commitment to the reunification of the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Whilst the current COVID pandemic prevents us celebrating in person, we are looking forward to doing so when circumstances permit,” they added.
The Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Edward Davey has wished a happy anniversary on banks of his party.
His statement noted that “the people of our two countries have great links including the hundreds of thousands of Cypriots living in the UK as well as the thousands of British citizens living in Cyprus. It is great to see how over the past sixty years, our bilateral relations have grown from strength to strength, and I very much hope that they will continue to do so. The Liberal Democrats remain by the side of all Cypriot people, on their mission to secure a truly independent, free and united Cyprus, always in line with the United Nations resolutions and high-level agreements.”
The Chairman and Officers of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus, have stated that they join the Republic of Cyprus, its people and the UK Cypriot community in celebrating this historic 60th anniversary of independence.
“We also pay tribute to the strong and lasting relationships that have been built with successive Presidents, Governments and Parliamentarians over the last 60 years. The United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus have always enjoyed a strong and close bond of friendship and collaboration, across a number of sectors, as well as between the people of the two countries. Indeed, over the last 60 years the Republic of Cyprus has also shown itself to be a pillar of stability and a critical part of the UK`s security infrastructure, in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“On this anniversary, we are also reminded that the Republic of Cyprus has only been truly free and united for one-quarter of its existence. We therefore remain committed to supporting efforts to reunite Cyprus, in line with UN resolutions and High Level agreements, and we also strongly condemn any actions that seek to undermine the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus,” said the APPG.
The statement was signed by the APPG for Cyprus Chairman Sir Roger Gale MP, Vice-Chairs Bambos Charalambous MP, Christine Jardine MP, Caroline Nokes MP, and Secretary Jack Dromey MP.
CNA/TG/AGK/2020
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY