During Parliament’s monthly question time session with the Foreign Secretary and his team, Theresa Villiers MP has compared the recent invasion of Ukraine with the invasion of Cyprus 49 years ago.
The question and the response by Europe Minister, Leo Doherty, were included in the official Hansard report of today’s proceedings in Parliament:
“Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): There are striking parallels between the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkey. Both involved aggressive incursions into the sovereign territory of another country. Will the Foreign Secretary call on Turkey to remove its troops from Cyprus and enable Cypriots to determine their own future? (904077)
Leo Docherty, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs: The UK led the international response to Turkish actions in 1974, including through drafting UN Security Council resolution 353 calling for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops. The best way to address the situation in Cyprus is through a just and lasting settlement, in line with the UN parameters based on the model of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, and the UK will continue to engage actively in pursuit of that.”
Speaking after the debate, Theresa said “Just as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has had tragic consequences, so has the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. I have British Cypriot constituents still unable to return to the homes from which they were forced to flee in 1974.”
“It is intolerable that this injustice has now continued for very nearly half a century. The international community needs to wake up and remember the horrors of 1974. They should redouble their efforts to secure a negotiated settlement in Cyprus to reunite the island.”
“As I have for more than twenty years, I will continue to speak out on Cyprus to ensure that it remains on the agenda in UK politics.”
