Cyprus

HC Deb 13 June 1979 vol 968 cc420-1

7. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Lord Privy Seal what efforts he is currently making to bring about a settlement in Cyprus.

Sir Ian Gilmour

The Government welcome the agreement between President Kyprianou and Mr. Denktash that inter-communal negotiations shall be resumed on 15 June. The Cypriot parties and Dr. Waldheim know that Britain remains ready to help in any way it thinks useful.

Mr. Price

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the statement at the press conference three weeks ago by Mr. Denktash that the future of the British military bases in Cyprus was not irrelevant to any settlement that might take place? Since that time, two of the major Greek-Cypriot parties have made important statements to the same effect. Will he give an assurance that if, during these negotiations, it turns out that some adjustment to the Sovereign base areas would assist towards a settlement, the Government will not stand in the way of a settlement on that account?

Sir I. Gilmour

We hope very much that an agreement will be reached. We doubt very much whether the Sovereign base areas are an impediment to that agreement. While we have no intention of giving up any part of the Sovereign base areas, should they be the only matter which kept the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities apart in any negotiations, obviously we would look at the matter again and consider any adjustment. However, I regard that eventuality as unlikely.

Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Sovereign bases are used to administer the valuable United Nations peacekeeping force in the island, and that the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots welcome the presence of the Sovereign bases, which also have an important role for NATO?

Sir I. Gilmour

In fact, they are not concerned with NATO. I think that has always been made clear to the Cyprus Government, who have been insistent on that matter. Otherwise, I agree entirely with my hon. Friend's comments.

Mr. Thomas Cox

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, whatever efforts are made to achieve a settlement, there is deep anguish within the Greek-Cypriot community about men and women who have been missing ever since the Turkish invasion? Despite repeated efforts, and the fullest information being given, no reply has come from the Turkish Government about the whereabouts of these people.

Sir I. Gilmour

I am well aware that there are strong and understandable feelings on this matter. The House is probably aware that after the meeting on 18 and 19 May Dr. Waldheim announced that agreement had been reached on a formula for the establishment of a committee to investigate this matter. Details have not yet been released, but the Government hope very much that progress, which I agree is well overdue, may now begin.