UK “has no intention to begin directly importing products” from occupied Cyprus

The UK “has no intention to begin directly importing products” from the occupied part of Cyprus, the country’s Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations, Lord Tariq Ahmad, has said in the House of Lords.

Responding to a question by Conservative Lord Hannah, who wanted to know whether the UK Government intended “to start directly importing Turkish Cypriot products, including fresh produce” from what she called the ‘TRNC’, the minister was dismissive. “In accordance with the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared ‘TRNC’ as an independent state.”

He pointed to several UN Security Council resolutions and other multilateral agreements which also “limit links” between the UK and occupied areas.

In conclusion, Lord Ahmad stated: “We continue to believe that a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus is the best means of resolving the difficulties caused by the division of the island.”

The UK “has no intention to begin directly importing products” from the occupied part of Cyprus, the country’s Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations, Lord Ahmad, has said in the House of Lords.

Responding to a question by Conservative Lord Hannah, who wanted to know whether the UK Government intended “to start directly importing Turkish Cypriot products, including fresh produce” from what she called the ‘TRNC’, the minister was dismissive. “In accordance with the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared ‘TRNC’ as an independent state.”

He pointed to several UN Security Council resolutions and other multilateral agreements which also “limit links” between the UK and occupied areas.

In conclusion, Lord Ahmad stated: “We continue to believe that a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus is the best means of resolving the difficulties caused by the division of the island.”

(Source: CNA)