Theresa Villiers, Conservative candidate for Chipping Barnet, has reiterated her longstanding support for Cyprus and backed four key pledges from the National Federation of Cypriots.
Announcing her decision, Theresa said “For over two decades I have supported Cypriots in their efforts to find a settlement to reunite their island on the basis of UN resolutions and in a way which protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.”
“I strongly believe that a settlement would benefit both sides. That is why I support a free and united Cyprus and can back these pledges. No other candidate can match my record of commitment on this issue.”
“Countless times, I have highlighted Cyprus in Parliament and intervened with UK Ministers on issues raised with me by my British Cypriot constituents. I have had the honour to meet five successive Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus, including President Christodoulides."
"I have always been clear that there should be no recognition of the administration in the north of Cyprus.”
“If I am re-elected, I will continue to advocate for Cyprus and the British Cypriot community in Barnet.”
In responding to voters who have asked her to sign the pledge, Theresa has provided information on some of her work on Cyprus which you can read here. The four pledges from the Federation of Cypriots are:
1. Advocate for the resumption of talks and a solution in Cyprus, based on UN Security Council Resolutions and EU acquis, that will:
a. Reunite Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as outlined in relevant UN Security Resolutions
b. Respect the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all Cypriots
c. Allow Cypriots to determine their own future, by ensuring that Cyprus only serves Cypriot interest, and not the interest of third countries
d. Provide for the return of refugees and determine the fate of missing persons
e. Safeguard Cyprus' full independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity according to international law without any foreign interference
f. Allow Cyprus to fully function as a European state, member of the UN, as well as a credible and reliable partner to the UK
2. Commit to uphold all UN Security Council Resolutions relating to Cyprus and not support actions that undermine or violate them
3. Ensure the UK’s longstanding non-recognition of the regime in the north of Cyprus is not undermined
4. Continue to strengthen the strategic partnership between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus, including within the framework of the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2022
Digital imprint: Promoted by Theresa Villiers of 163 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SU.
