In an interview with Tasos Zacharides of London Greek Radio, Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, reiterated her hope that talks for the reunification of Cyprus could be resumed.
During the interview at the radio station, based in the borough of Barnet, Theresa focused on the unique relationship between Britain and Cyprus saying:
“...the UK government would always support Cypriots in their efforts to find a solution… [but] we can’t prescribe the terms of a settlement from London…”
She spoke warmly also of the new President Nikos Anastasiades saying
“I wish Nikos Anastasiades very well with his Presidency”
“I think that he is going to be a very good president... he obviously has big challenges on his hands...”
And she expressed a hope that the Prime Minister and Mr Anastasiades would have the opportunity to meet very soon.
When asked about the recently discovered Hydrocarbon deposits she said:
“I am of course delighted that these deposits have been discovered within Cyprus’ territorial waters. I think they really could be a good financial boost for the Cypriots, but also for energy security in the EU.”
“This is another area where William Hague and the UK government was very, very clear that it is entirely within the rights of the government of Cyprus to exploit their natural resources, which are manifestly within Cyprus’ economic zone. In fact it’s not only right, it is, as I say, good for the rest of Europe to potentially have a great new source of energy.”
Following the successful interview Ms Villiers received a bouquet of flowers from radio DJ Koulla Pirillas, and met George Heraclous, Vasilis Panagis, and Director, George Gregriou.