CYPRUS: Britain has no desire to continue its guarantor power status

London has made clear that in a post-solution arrangement for a reunified Cyprus, Britain has no desire to retain its guarantor status which gives it the right of intervention under the island’s treaty of independence.

Greece has also made a similar pledge, but the third guarantor power Turkey is unwilling to relinquish its intervention rights.

The Cyprus issue, Brexit, and closer bilateral relations between Cyprus and the UK, were discussed when President Anastasiades met Prime Minister Theresa May in Downing Street on Tuesday evening.

Afterwards the President said: “We have had a very constructive meeting, which focused on matters concerning the Cyprus issue, the bilateral relations and of course Brexit, something that preoccupies all Europeans and surely our bilateral ties or our future ties in the undesirable event of an exit without a deal. I hope that by the next European Council, on the 21st of the current month, there will be ways found to secure, one way or another, a smooth exit by Britain.

“As far as the Cyprus issue is concerned, she reiterated the steady positions of Britain, namely that it wishes a settlement based on the UN resolutions, the principles and values of both the Charter and of course of the EU. The most important thing, however, is that she reiterated the position that Britain would not wish to continue its role as a guarantor power.”

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The leaders spoke about the close co-operation between their two countries and agreed to build on these strong ties in the future. They looked forward to the conclusion of discussions, to allow for the implementation of the bilateral agreement that will enable Cypriots living in the Sovereign Base Areas to develop their land and businesses.”

Anastasiades concludes his official UK visit on Wednesday in a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.