The British Foreign Office notes that it fully shares the view of the Eastern Mediterranean's strategic significance and that in cooperation with the United States and the EU supports the actions being undertaken, in a reply letter to the Council of British Cypriots regarding the importance of drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean.
It also reaffirms, in the strongest possible terms, the United Kingdom’s steadfast support for Ukraine.
Among other points, it describes the Russian invasion as an “unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack” against a sovereign and democratic state. At the same time, it underlines that the UK remains fully committed to achieving a just and lasting peace, for the country’s long-term security, sovereignty and prosperity. It notes that the United Kingdom is working closely with Ukraine, the United States and other allied countries towards this end.
Particular emphasis is placed on the international sanctions imposed on Russia since February 2022, which, as stressed, have deprived it of access to at least 450 billion dollars, an amount equivalent to approximately two additional years of war financing. The British Foreign Office pointedly notes that the United Kingdom alone has imposed sanctions on more than 2,900 individuals, entities and vessels, while over £20 billion have been placed under restrictions.
At the same time, special reference is made to the recent sanctions against major Russian energy companies and other networks allegedly facilitating the illicit trade in Russian oil, stressing that the aim is to cut off the revenues of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Furthermore, cooperation with allies to diversify away from Russian energy is highlighted, along with close collaboration with European countries, including Cyprus.
The British Foreign Office welcomes the fact that Ukraine is a top priority of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as the recent visit of President Nikos Christodoulides to Kyiv and the visit of Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Nicosia.
In its letter, responding to points raised by the Council of British Cypriots regarding the importance of drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, the British Foreign Office reiterates that it fully shares the view of the region’s strategic importance and that cooperation with the United States and the EU supports the actions being undertaken.
The Council of British Cypriots is an organisation that promotes Cypriot interests within decision-making centres in London and works to deepen bilateral relations. From time to time, it has addressed letters both to senior officials of the British government, such as British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper—as well as to other international figures involved in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, including the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.
The letter was signed by Doros Partasidis, Giorgos Chatzipavlis, Marie Nikolsby, Antonis Savvidis and Spyros Neophytou.
(Photo: By UK Government)
(Source: CNA)
