The leader of the National Unity Party, Prime Minister Ersan Saner said on Wednesday that the UK cannot contribute to efforts to reach a solution in Cyprus by disregarding the expectations and demands of the Turkish Cypriot people.

In a written statement responding to the British High Commissioner to South Cyprus Stephen Lillie’s latest remarks on the Cyprus Issue, Saner reminded that there are two states in Cyprus.

“To issue remarks that disregard our sovereign equality and demand for a two-state solution is to side with the Greek Cypriot side. We reject these statements and call on the UK to adopt an impartial stance,” he said.

Prime Minister Saner said that the British High Commissioner’s insistence on a federal settlement as the only option for a solution on the island was both unrealistic and unacceptable.

Pointing out that the UK was well informed on the history of the Cyprus Issue; Saner reminded that the Greek Cypriots had destroyed the 1960 partnership state formed under the guarantees provided by Turkey, Greece and Great Britain.

He added that the stance adopted by the Greek Cypriot side since December 21, 1963 has led to the failure of all efforts to reach a settlement.

“The stance adopted by the Greek Cypriots, most recently in Crans Montana in 2017 has led to the collapse of efforts to reach a federal solution. There are two states in Cyprus. To reject this serves the Greek Cypriot side’s goals, not peace,” he said.