Cyprus Settlement: Who Benefits?
The Keith Kyle Memorial Lecture on British-Cypriot Relations
A joint event with the Association for Cypriot, Greek & Turkish Affairs
event details
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Date
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Wednesday, 25 February 2009
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Time
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17:30 - 18:45
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Venue
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Room U8, Tower 1, LSE
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Speaker
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MP Caroline Flint, Minister for Europe
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Chair
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Dr James Ker-Lindsay, Senior Research Fellow, Hellenic Observatory
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On the 25th February 2009, we held the second Keith Kyle Memorial Lecture on British-Cypriot relations. Established to honour a well-known historian and journalist who had a long-standing interest in Cyprus, the event was once again held in conjunction with the Association for Cypriot, Greek and Turkish Affairs (ACGTA).
Following on from the first lecture, which took place in June 2007 and was delivered by the then Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon, the second lecture was also given by the Minister for Europe – in this case the Rt. Hon. Caroline Flint MP.
Since her appointment, just four months earlier, Ms Flint had demonstrated a keen interest in Cyprus. Despite having a portfolio covering a number of pressing international issues – including the EU, Russia, NATO and the Caucasus – she had already visited the island twice for high-level meetings with the island’s leaders.
In her speech, which was chaired by Dr James Ker-Lindsay, the Minister emphasised Britain’s strong commitment towards a lasting settlement, and that it stood ready to help in whatever way it could. As she noted, a solution would be in Britain’s interests as well as in the interests of Cyprus. However, she also stressed that the process must be driven by, and for, the people of Cyprus. At the same time, she pressed home the advantages that a solution would bring to all parties. Through reunification, Cyprus would enjoy significant economic, political and social benefits, as well as a greater sense of security.
The lecture, which was attended by many leading members of the Cypriot community in Britain including His Excellency Mr Alexander Zenon, the Cypriot High Commissioner, was then followed by a question and answer session. Once again, the Minister continued to reiterate the benefits of a peace deal, and pointedly refused to engage in speculation about the possible breakdown of talks. As she noted, ‘this was too good an opportunity to miss. There is no ‘Plan B’ for Cyprus.’
James Ker-Lindsay & Caroline Flint