FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS [16 Feb 1999]

Cyprus

7. Mr. Andrew Dismore (Hendon): If he will make a statement on the contribution of Her Majesty's Government to efforts to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem. [69426]

12. Mr. Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne): When he next plans to visit Cyprus to discuss with the parties the end of the division of that island. [69431]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Ms Joyce Quin): We remain committed to resolving the tragedy of Cyprus's division. We continue to believe that the best means of achieving a solution is on the basis laid down in UN Security Council resolutions for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Therefore, we welcome UN Security Council resolution 1218, adopted on 22 December 1998, which sets out clear and far-reaching objectives for reducing tension and for progress towards a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement in Cyprus.

Mr. Dismore: Is my right hon. Friend aware that there was some concern on the island at the recent comments of Sir David Hannay? Therefore, I welcome the Government's reaffirmation of the policy of looking to a settlement based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and on a single sovereignty. Does my right hon. Friend welcome, as I do, the decision of the Cyprus Government not to take S300 missiles on to the island? Also, does she agree that one of the best ways forward is to work towards a more general demilitarisation of Cyprus as a step towards a settlement of the tragedy that has been taking place there for 25 years?

Ms Quin: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his comments. He is right to welcome the decision of President Clerides not to deploy those missiles, which will both reduce tension and help Cyprus to accede to the European Union. Having seen the transcript of what Sir David Hannay said, I am satisfied that his remarks were misrepresented. Indeed, in various meetings, including one with the high commissioner for Cyprus here in London, he and I have reaffirmed that there is no change in our policy on Cyprus.

Mr. Waterson: Does the Minister agree that, given the unilateral decision of the Cypriot Government not to deploy missiles to reduce tension, as she put it, and the complete lack of any countervailing contribution from the regime in the north of Cyprus to reduce any part of the military presence there, the only answer is to press forward as fast as possible towards accession to the European Union at least for the south of the island--hopefully, to be followed one day by the north?

Ms Quin: The accession process is on track in terms of the examination by the European Commission of the various dossiers. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have always hoped that the accession process could provide a catalyst towards the settlement of the Cyprus problem, and we still want to concentrate minds on that possibility.

Mr. Eddie O'Hara (Knowsley, South): Does my right hon. Friend agree that one of the most useful ways in which we could ease the situation in Cyprus is through increasing the number of intercommunal exchanges? Therefore, will she join me in commending the recent successful visit of 1,280 Turkish Cypriot Muslims to the Hala Sultan Tekke shrine in Larnaca and in hoping that there will be similar exchanges for Greek Cypriot pilgrims, for example, to visit the Apostolos Andreas monastery in the far north of the Karpasia peninsula, and even the church of Ayios Mamas in Morphou?

Ms Quin: I agree that initiatives to try to increase contacts between the communities are worth while. Those initiatives, along with others with which the friends of Cyprus, including Members of Parliament, have been involved are welcome and we wish to encourage them.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield): In seeking to follow up the constructive question of the hon. Member for Knowsley, South (Mr. O'Hara), does the Minister accept that, if we are to achieve lasting peace and unity in Cyprus, we must carry with us in achieving that objective not only Turkey but the Turkish Cypriots? Cyprus has had a sad history in the past 30 years. What action are the British Government taking to work more closely with Turkey, which is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and has given that body great support, and with those responsible Turkish Cypriots who want a united Ireland--[Interruption.] That was merely a Freudian slip, Madam Speaker. I should have said a united island--hon. Members misunderstood my Cheshire accent. What action are the Government taking to work more closely with Turkey and with the Turkish Cypriot Administration to get greater co-operation on the ultimate unity of Cyprus?

Ms Quin: I was wondering whether the hon. Gentleman's comments signalled a dramatic shift in his party's policy on a variety of issues. He and I can at least join in saying that we are interested in promoting peace processes; and we are certainly interested in doing that in Cyprus. We engage in dialogue with Turkey and try to promote measures to build confidence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. We support the work of Sir David Hannay and of Dame Anne Hercus, who is doing a good job on the island of Cyprus trying to bring communities together and to find ways of solving the long-term problem.

Mr. Tom Cox (Tooting): The whole House will welcome my right hon. Friend's comments. She will be aware that there have been many disappointments in attempts to achieve a settlement in Cyprus, none more acute than on the return of Famagusta, which would benefit both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Will she give an assurance to the House and to the people of Cyprus that the return of Famagusta is a Government priority?

Ms Quin: We have raised the issue of Famagusta and Varosha on many occasions, but my hon. Friend will accept that the best way to make progress is to continue to press the various initiatives taking place within both the United Nations and the European Union towards a comprehensive settlement.

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Other Topics

Commons Written Answers (3 Feb 1999) (Cyprus)

 
EU Code of Conduct (Arms Sales) (1 Feb 1999)

Diplomatic Posts (Eastern Mediterranean)

Mr. Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when an official from the British High Commission last visited the town of Famagusta; and if he will make a statement; [68310] 2) what recent discussions he has held and with whom, on the possibility of the return of the town of Famagusta to the Republic of Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [68309]

Ms Quin: We remain active in support of UN efforts in search of a political settlement in Cyprus. The details of any settlement would have to have the agreement of both communities. The question of Varosha/Famagusta would be included in that.

Members of the High Commission in Nicosia visit Famagusta from time to time as part of their contacts with the Turkish Cypriot Community.

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Other Topics

Commons Written Answers

Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (16 Feb 1999) Cyprus

Commons Written Answers (3 Feb 1999) (Cyprus)

 
EU Code of Conduct (Arms Sales) (1 Feb 1999)

Diplomatic Posts (Eastern Mediterranean)

Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many personnel currently employed at the British High Commission in Nicosia have previously worked at the British Embassy in (a) Ankara and (b) Athens; and if he will make a statement on the inter-change of staff between the High Commission in Nicosia and the embassy at (i) Ankara and (ii) Athens; [68959]

(2) if he will make a statement on proposed changes in personnel employed at the British High Commission in Cyprus; and to which embassies or high commissions the existing personnel are being transferred; [68961]

(3) how many persons are employed at the United Kingdom High Commission office in Nicosia; how many of these are (a) Greek Cypriots and (b) Turkish Cypriots; and if he will make a statement. [68960]

Ms Quin: There are 25 UK based staff at the British High Commission in Nicosia. Two speak fluent Greek, one speaks fluent Turkish. One has served previously in Athens; another has served in Ankara. Of those leaving this year most will return to London; one will transfer to Athens. Including part-time employees, there are 39 locally- engaged staff (the majority Greek Cypriot) in the High Commission office in Nicosia and 12 staff (the majority Turkish Cypriot) at separate premises in north Nicosia.

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Ms Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to extend the principles of the EU code of conduct on arms exports to non-EU nations. [68106]

Mr. Tony Lloyd: I have been asked to reply.

Following the adoption of the Code of Conduct in June 1998, the UK drew the Code to the attention of other arms exporting states and, in line with paragraph 11 of the operative provisions, encouraged them to subscribe to its principles. We understand that other EU Member States have taken similar action. The Associated Countries of Central and Eastern Europe and Cyprus have aligned themselves with the criteria in the Code of Conduct. The UK welcomes the decision of Canada to subscribe to the principles and criteria developed in the Code of Conduct.

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