§ Lord Maginnis of Drumglassasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will encourage British academic institutions and British companies to provide technical assistance to the Turkish Cypriot administration for the conservation of the natural and archaeological environment of Northern Cyprus; and whether they will make funds available for that purpose. [HL3597]
37WA
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe continue to maintain close contacts with the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus. In support of the agreed EU policy of bringing an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community, we are examining possibilities for further UK technical expertise to assist the Turkish Cypriots in a variety of areas. Conservation of the natural and archaeological environment of the whole of Cyprus is an important issue and is one of a number of priorities.
§ Lord Maginnis of Drumglassasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress they have made with European Union partners towards the early implementation of their objective of allowing direct flights to Ercan Airport in Northern Cyprus and towards allowing Turkish Cypriot exports directly from Northern Cyprus ports. [HL3598]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanAs I explained to the House on 8 July, in response to a mandate from the April General Affairs and External Relations Council, the Commission on 7 July published its proposals designed to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community.
We believe that direct trade and transport links between Northern Cyprus and the EU are central to bringing an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. We are currently examining the feasibility of direct flights.
On the issue of direct trade, on which the Commission has competence, we support fully the Commission's proposals as presented on 7 July and we will be working with the Dutch Presidency and our EU partners in order to reach early agreement.
§ Lord Monsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make representations to the Government of Cyprus about the ability of Turkish Cypriots to vote in European Parliamentary elections and be represented in that Parliament so that the situation can be improved in time for the next elections to that Parliament. [HL3690]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanI greatly regret the fact that Cyprus remains divided. The UN Secretary General's comprehensive settlement Plan stated that two of the six Cypriot seats in the European Parliament would have been allocated to Turkish Cypriots. As there was no settlement all six seats were allocated to Greek Cypriot representatives.
On 7 June 2004 the EU agreed that, in the event of a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem, the mandate of the representatives of Cyprus in the European Parliament would be brought to an end. Extraordinary elections in the whole of Cyprus would be held for the remaining term of the European Parliament. Two of the six seats would then be allocated to Turkish Cypriots.