Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Acknowledged
UK's dual roles in Cyprus do not represent a conflict of interest.
Conclusion
Our evidence supports the view that UK’s roles as penholder for Cyprus at the United Nations Security Council and as a party to the Treaty of Guarantee in Cyprus do not represent a conflict of interest. (Conclusion, Paragraph 90)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the conclusion that its roles in Cyprus do not represent a conflict of interest, and proceeds to detail its ongoing support for UN-led efforts, including leading the UNFICYP mandate renewal and engaging all sides to pursue a lasting settlement.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Agree. 38. Cyprus is an example of the UN acting effectively, with the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) having been in place as a stabilising force for over 60 years. HMG was pleased to have led the unanimous renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate in January 2025, maintaining the UN Security Council’s longstanding unity on the Cyprus file. As a Guarantor Power, leading troop contributor to UNFICYP, and a friend to all parties, the UK continues to support UN-led efforts to pursue a lasting settlement to improve the lives of all Cypriots. We are fully supportive of, and engaged with, the UN Secretary-General’s leadership in reinvigorating the settlement process, in convening the informal 5+1 meetings between Guarantor Powers and Cypriot communities as well as appointing a personal envoy. We are actively engaging all sides to encourage the flexibility required to return to formal talks. We continue to believe that the existing UN parameters of a Bi-zonal, Bi-communal Federation (BBF) with political equality are sufficiently flexible to facilitate an agreement which addresses the priorities of both sides. Ultimately, however, it is for the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to decide on the details of a Settlement.