High Commissioner crosses to the TRNC
BRITAIN’S new High Commissioner to Cyprus, Stephen Lillie, crossed to the TRNC on Tuesday to meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay — as he issued advice to British expats ahead of the UK’s exit from the EU in March next year.
The pair discussed “regional issues and bilateral relations, the future of the Cyprus problem and possible steps to take, and the UK’s Brexit process”, a statement from Dr Özersay’s office said.
Dr Özersay said he had congratulated Mr Lillie on his appointment and wished him success in his role, while stating his desire to continue the “good dialogue and strong relations” established with his predecessor, Matthew Kidd.
He said the UK has “both historical
By KEREM HASAN and legal obligations as a guarantor country”, along with Turkey and Greece, meaning that Britain’s “representation in Cyprus is different to that of other foreign missions on the island”.
The two will “work closely in the period ahead”, Dr Özersay added. The meeting at the Foreign Ministry came after President Mustafa Akıncı received Mr Lillie last Friday. No statement was made by Mr Lillie on either of the visits.
A British High Commission spokesman declined to comment on his decision to stay silent when questioned by Cyprus Today, simply reasserting that no statement would to be made.
When meeting Dr Özersay’s Greek Cypriot counterpart Nicos Christodoulides earlier this month, Mr Lillie had tweeted a picture of the pair smiling and shaking hands, describing the encounter as “excellent”.
On May 10 he thanked Greek Cypriot defence minister Savvas Angelides for a “warm welcome”, while on the next day he wrote of his “honour and pleasure” at presenting his credentials to Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades.
Meanwhile on Tuesday Mr Lillie issued an open letter to UK nationals living in “Cyprus” about the UK’s departure from the EU and its implications for them — although his message appeared to apply only to British citizens residing in the South.
Explaining what British expats should do ahead of Brexit, Mr Lillie said: “If you have not done so already, I would strongly urge you to register as a resident with the Cypriot authorities . . .
“We will continue to work closely with the Cypriot government to ensure information is provided to UK nationals in a timely manner on any new administrative procedures that may be implemented for British nationals postBrexit.”
A Cyprus Today request to the High Commission for any Brexit advice to expats in North Cyprus had not been answered by the time this paper went to press.