Solution to Cyprus Problem for Cypriots to Decide - Hague

All over Europe, people are concerned about the lack of progress on the Cyprus problem, but a solution should be 'by Cypriots for Cypriots' and this has to be respected, said UK Foreign Secretary William Hague during his visit to the island for the EU informal foreign ministers meeting held in Paphos.

The discovery of hydrocarbons will hopefully be an incentive for reunification of the island's two largest communities - the Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots, said Hague.

It was the first time Hague has visited Cyprus in his capacity as FM, and he said that the UK has a very close and important relationship with the island.

"So many citizens of both countries are studying, holidaying, working with each other...we will continue to develop strong personal relationships and deepen the relations between the people of the United Kingdom and the people of Cyprus," said the foreign secretary.

The UK is ready to deepen its active involvement in bringing about a solution to the Cyprus problem, he said.

Talks between community leaders Demetris Christofias and Dervis Eroglu were put on hold at the end of March, with most of the core issues of governance and territory unresolved. They are not expected to sit down at the negotiating table until after the end of Cyprus' EU presidency, and even then, it is doubtful there will be progress given that presidential elections will be held in 2013.

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