VILLIERS MEETS WITH NICOS ANASTASIADES AND WILLIAM HAGUE

MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, this week joined William Hague, Shadow Foreign Secretary, and Mark Francois, Shadow Minister for Europe, in a meeting with Nicos Anastasiades, Chairman of the Democratic Rally Party of Cyprus. The meeting took place in the House of Commons. Also present were Andreas Papaevripides, Chairman of the Democratic Rally Uk, and David Burrowes, MP for Enfield Southgate.

At the meeting, Mr Anastasiades emphasised the need for Turkey to be as constructive and flexible as possible regarding negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, agreeable to both sides.

William Hague and Mark Francois assured Mr Anastasiades that a Conservative Government would be very supportive of efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.

Following the meeting, Theresa said, “I am delighted that we were able to have such a useful and constructive discussion about Cyprus. We were all keen to hear Mr Anastasiades' views on what needs to be done to make progress on a settlement for Cyprus.”

“Turkey’s successful future in Europe is dependent upon meeting criteria set by the European Union, including finding a solution to the Cyprus issue. Now is the time for Ankara to show it is willing to give Cypriots the freedom they need to agree a just, balanced and lasting settlement that will benefit both sides."