In a truly multi-communal event, British Cypriots gathered in parliament this week to attend a meeting organized by the National Federation of Cypriots in Britain. Greek, Turkish and Maronite Cypriots among them prominent community members gathered in room 15 of the House of Commons on Tuesday in Westminster, where they listened to short speeches made by the President of the National Federation of Cypriots Peter Droussiotis, British Special Representative to Cyprus Joan Ryan and a panel of British MPs with an interest in the Cyprus issue. Among the MPs present were Alan Meale, Roger Gale, Rudi Vis, David Burrowes, Theresa Villiers, Andrew Dismore and David Amess, as well as former MP Tom Cox.

HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL CYPRIOTS

Droussiotis opened the meeting by describing the need for British Cypriots to work together to support both Cypriot leaders in Cyprus and to seek a solution. Droussiotis continued that Cypriots have a common country that they have shared for centuries, yet divided Cyprus is an anachronism in 21st century Europe. Droussiotis added that: a solution has to ensure the human rights of all Cypriots. “A solution is a prize for all Cypriots to enjoy,” he added.

FOR CYPRIOTS BY CYPRIOTS

He was joined by Joan Ryan who said that she was pleased with the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus.  Ms Ryan urged Cypriots not to let differences become an obstacle to a solution, forewarning that hard decisions will have to be made in the ongoing peace process. Describing both Cypriot leaders as having real integrity in their commitment to get the process moving forward, she added that a Cyprus solution had to be designed “for Cypriots by Cypriots.”

RUDI VIS: DON’T TRUST TURKEY

However, some MPs tried to tow a very Greek Cypriot line by attempting to describe the Cyprus issue as a 1974 invasion / occupation issue. MP Rudi Vis said Cypriots had to be honest with them. Vis asked how much Greek Cypriots had gained by talking to Turkey. Vis claimed that “the issue is Turkey.”  He continued that he was not so optimistic of a solution and added that he did not trust Turkey. Vis was joined by Alan Meale and Theresa Villiers who solely emphasized the effects Turkey’s intervention in 1974.

SUPPORT PEACE PROCESS

The mood changed later after several audience members challenged some MPs over their sincerity. Mustafa Adiloglu reminded the panel of MPs that Turkish Cypriots also suffered in the pre-1974 period while Alev Adil called for MPs and Cypriots to stretch their minds and grasp the opportunity of peace. Moving the agenda away from apportioning blame, London Republican Turkish party Solidarity Association Chairperson Ilker Kilic called on British Cypriots to support the two Cypriot leaders in Cyprus in the peace process. Other audience members too called on British Cypriots and their MPs to support the ongoing peace process.

REALITY

Injecting a dose of reality to the meeting, Andrew Dismore MP reminded guests that the Turkish government is in trouble as the ruling AK Party in Turkey faces court closure. He reminded guests that while 1974 is important no real progress can be made unless Turkey is engaged in a solution. “Whatever is decided, Turkey has to say yes,” added Dismore.