Cyprus says ties with Britain recovering

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos today said relations with Britain were recovering from strain created by the launch of Turkey’s accession talks with the European Union earlier this month.

“I don’t think it’s a secret that relations with Britain have suffered recently and I am very encouraged there is goodwill on both sides to renew the traditionally good relations,” Papadopoulos said after meeting deputy prime minister John Prescott.

The two men signed a memorandum of understanding which provides for formal dialogue on various bilateral issues.

Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960, but has been divided since 1974 following a Turkish invasion of the island triggered by a failed coup staged by supporters of union with Greece.

Cypriot politicians publicly criticised Britain – which holds the current EU presidency – before the start of EU-Turkey accession talks for failing to press Ankara to recognise the island’s Greek Cypriot government.