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31 May 2012

UN and EU must Treat Both Sides in Cyprus Equally, Says British Politician Hughes

Deputy Leader of Britain's Liberal Democrat Party Simon Hughes on Wednesday said that the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) had to treat both sides in Cyprus equally.

Speaking at a press conference in Lefkosa after his talks in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Hughes stressed that the two sides in Cyprus had to be included in the EU.

Efforts for a solution in Cyprus are very close to a result and they should be continued, Hughes noted.

A federal or confederated solution would be to the benefit of all Cypriots. Based on my talks, I believe that the two communities in Cyprus will reach an agreement, Hughes underlined.

Asked about the embargoes imposed on the TRNC, Hughes said that the Turkish Cypriots do not have to pay a price even if the negotiations between leaders do not end with a result.

My friends and I will give priority to the issue of Cyprus and try to find a solution so that the isolation of the TRNC ends. This will not take years but months, Hughes said.

Hughes said he was honored to be in the TRNC and thanked the Turkish Cypriot government for their hospitality.

While in the TRNC, Hughes met with Turkish Cypriot leaders, including the president and prime minister.