UK backs efforts to scale back Turkish Cypriot isolation
Oct 20, 2026 1:59 pm
Ibrar Younas
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BRITAIN has reaffirmed its assist for measures to scale back the isolation of Turkish Cypriots, highlighting engagement with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.
The dedication got here in a written parliamentary reply to former Conservative chief Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who requested concerning the Authorities’s coverage on commerce with Turkish Cypriots in North Cyprus.
Responding on behalf of the Overseas, Commonwealth and Growth Workplace on October 16, Uma Kumaran mentioned: “Inside these constraints, we assist measures to scale back the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot neighborhood, together with by engagement with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.”
She additionally mentioned Britain inspired better financial cooperation and commerce throughout Cyprus, whereas sustaining {that a} simply and lasting settlement remained the easiest way to resolve the challenges attributable to the island’s division.
The response reiterated Britain’s non-recognition of the TRNC, citing UN Safety Council resolutions, worldwide agreements and court docket rulings as constraints on hyperlinks with North Cyprus. Nevertheless, it confirmed that assist for decreasing Turkish Cypriot isolation remained a part of British coverage.
The dedication echoes a longstanding worldwide pledge. Following the April 2004 referendums on the UN settlement plan, the EU Council declared its willpower to finish Turkish Cypriot isolation by encouraging financial improvement and nearer contact with Europe.
That pledge helped form the EU’s help programme for the Turkish Cypriot neighborhood, whereas the Inexperienced Line Regulation supplies a framework for eligible items to be traded throughout the divide.
The most recent British reply recognized the Chamber of Commerce as a channel for engagement, however introduced no new commerce preparations, funding or timetable for additional motion.
