Under Secretary of State for Defense James Hippie has responded to Labour’s shadow defense secretary John Healy that Britain has deployed additional military forces to dominant base areas in Cyprus as part of its increased presence in the Eastern Mediterranean more generally.
London, Thanasis Gavos
The positions of the United Kingdom on aspects of the Cyprus issue have been reaffirmed by British government officials in recent days in response to a series of parliamentary questions.
Among other things the government clarified that the United Kingdom has approximately 3,000 members of its armed forces on bases in Cyprus (with data up to November 21).
Under Secretary of Defense James Hippie responded to Labour’s shadow defense secretary John Healy that Britain has deployed additional military forces to the dominant base areas in Cyprus as part of its increased presence in the Eastern Mediterranean more generally.
“These personnel are deployed to contribute to regional stability, deliver humanitarian aid and support British interests,” said Mr. Hippie.
In the wider area there are also approx 30 members of the British ED in Jordanabout 40 in Lebanon, about 1,000 in Oman and about 400 in Bahrain.
Leo Doherty, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Europe, also received a question by the pro-Cypriot Conservative MP for North London Matthew Offord, on whether he will ask the Turkish Min. Abroad the withdrawal of the soldiers who are in the occupied territories.
Mr. Doherty replied that the British government regularly discusses the prospects for a Cyprus solution with the Turkish authorities at all levels.
“We still believe that a fair and lasting solution in Cyprus is the best way to resolve the difficulties caused by the division of the island”, said Mr Doherty, reiterating the steadfast British position.
Dr Offord also asked about the British assessment of the impact of the Turkish policy of expanding illegal settlements in the occupied territories.
Mr Doherty commented that property is one of the most “complicated and sensitive” aspects of the Cyprus issue and that ultimately the most effective way to resolve the issues arising after the events of 1974 is through a just and lasting solution.
He added that the UK continues to support the United Nations process and encourage both sides to return to negotiations. In another statement, Britain’s Undersecretary for Europe said that “our commitment to supporting this (solution) through the UN process remains unwavering.”
Dr. Offord also asked to be informed of the British estimates for the number of Turkish settlers in Cyprus since 1983 and then, to receive the response that the Foreign Office does not hold relevant data.
To another question from Conservative MP John Hayes about providing support to British people living in the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, Mr Doherty replied that like the rest of the international community with the exception of Turkey, the United Kingdom does not recognize the self-proclaimed “TRNC » and that the Republic of Cyprus is recognized as the sovereign authority in Cyprus.
As for the British in the occupied territories, the Deputy Minister referred to the Foreign Office’s travel advice for the entire island.
He gave the same answer to a question from Sammy Wilson from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland related to the demining of the island.
Here Mr. Doherty added that London continues to urge the leaders of both communities to come up with a plan for a mine-free Cyprus.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
