“The key to a solution lies with the Cypriots”
UK High Commissioner Damian Roderic Todd in Nocosia
The key to the Cyprus solution lies with the Cypriots, who need to reach agreement on what a settlement looks like, British High Commissioner in Nicosia Damian Roderic Todd has said, pointing out that a political settlement will serve the interests of the people of Cyprus and noting that no-one can assume that a frozen conflict will always stay frozen.
In an interview with CNA, he said the solution will be a bizonal bicommunal federation, with a single citizenship, one sovereignty and international personality, something supported by the friends of Cyprus.
“As soon as I arrived I had the opportunity to visit and walk in the buffer zone. And the same thought always comes to mind: what a waste of potential. The continuation of the division in Cyprus is such a waste,” he noted.
He believes that Turkey wants to see a solution in Cyprus and supports UN efforts to that effect, adding that good relations with Ankara are not contrary to good ties with others.
On the recent meetings Turkish Cypriot politician Ozdil Nami had in London with Foreign Office officials, he reiterated that the UK recognises only the Republic of Cyprus, and no other entity, noting that Britain attaches great importance to the dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots and will continue this dialogue. He described London`s explanation on the matter as “reasonable.”
On bilateral ties, he said they are extraordinarily close, and referred to human and historical ties, in addition to trade links, cooperation on combating crime, reforming Cyprus` civil service, and to various other fields.
Referring to the role of the Sovereign British Bases, on the island, he said “they are very important for Cyprus, the UK, Europe and our shared security.”
In his interview, the High Commissioner said UN resolutions and the Joint Declaration, agreed between the leaders of the island`s two communities, set out the framework of a solution, saying that there is support for a settlement from the international community, Greece, Turkey, the UK, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Cypriots, he said, seem to be impatient to have the problem solved.
Invited to qualify Turkey`s support, he referred to Ankara`s importance in NATO, London`s support to Turkey`s European aspirations and added “this is in no sense contrary to good relations with others.”
“We feel the Turkish government does want to see a solution in Cyprus, it supports UN efforts and has made clear the wish to be engaged in this,” he replied.
Asked if he sees any discrepancy between public remarks by Turkish officials and Turkish Cypriots and what has been agreed on the solution, he said the Joint Declaration is “a clear statement” on the settlement to be reached, pointing out that everybody agrees that the current status quo is not acceptable and the UK will do all it can to help bring about a solution.
Asked where he thinks the key to the solution lies, he replied “it lies here among the Cypriots, they need to reach agreement” and feel comfortable with it as it will be put to a referendum.
“Ultimately it is for the leaders to meet and talk and agree, then the people will vote in a referendum,” he explained.
Questioned further on Turkey`s role as an occupation power, he said Cypriots must feel comfortable with the solution, and referred to many bicommunal initiatives by Cypriots, which he said are important and evidence of how people are promoting confidence.
On regional developments, in relation to Cyprus, he had this to say “we cannot assume that Cyprus is and always will be immune to developments, we cannot assume the status quo will continue,” noting that problems in the region make it all important for Cypriots to find a way to solve the problem.
He also said there is a need for sustained intelligent, consistent approach over time to stop the Islamic State, which he described as an organisation with a “brutal and murderous approach” which has prompted a humanitarian disaster. The UK, he added, at the forefront of humanitarian aid has sent so far assistance worth 25 million pounds sterling to thousands of people affected by the situation.
On the role of the SBA, in humanitarian, military and intelligence matters, he said the “SBA are a very significant element in the way the UK and Cyprus are able to respond to tackle challenges they face”, adding that the Bases have been used to send humanitarian supplies to thousands of people.
Todd expressed appreciation to the government for its support in this. The High Commissioner refrained from any comment on SBA operational matters, saying “we watch the situation very closely.”
“We see the SBA as very important for Cyprus, the UK and Europe and our shared security. The nature of UK-Cyprus relations is so deep and significant for each of us and we need to see the SBA in that context,” he added.
On bilateral ties, he referred to human and historical ties which are “very deep and extremely close.” He acknowledged that parts of the history are bad but this should not be an obstacle to good bilateral relations. He recalled that 300,000 Cypriots live in the UK, 65,000 British reside in Cyprus and some 11,000 Cypriot are studying in the UK.
He said Cyprus is a big trading partner, and expressed hope that trade links will be further enhanced.
He also referred to the assistance London gives to Nicosia on the efforts to reform the civil service, in particular the ministries of defence, foreign affairs and justice with the help of experts from the National School of Government, who are visiting the island the week 22 – 26 of September. This, he pointed out, reflects the close ties and is an example of how human relations can work.
“We also work together on combating crime, on dispute resolution in trade matters and on cooperation in policing,” he added.
Asked if advice given is heeded, he praised the Cypriots for their ability to respond to reform, a trait he described as an “enormous asset.” There is a strong acceptance in Cyprus that reforms are necessary to bring the economy out of recession and the economic crisis has heightened this,” he noted, adding that “Cypriots and society at large have shown an ability to respond to reform and this is an enormous asset.”
“We have to think of ourselves in the 21st century as partners. We share views in the EU, the vision of where the EU should go, our ties within the EU can develop further,” he said, responding to other questions.
The EU, he told CNA, has been a successful enterprise in many ways over many years but it needs to evolve to focus on how to make people more secure, increase prosperity and respond to the need for people to feel that it is more democratic and that it delivers better results for them.
“We want the EU to be flexible, competitive, diverse, strong and respectful of individual countries and of the fact that voters are national voters,” he concluded.
On a more personal noted, he said he would like to “build on bilateral ties, develop further relations in human, educational and other terms, help increase trade,” reiterating the importance of finding a negotiated settlement in Cyprus.
Maria Myles
Küfi Seydali