§ 13. Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will state the current situation in regard to Cyprus.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Ray Whitney)As I told 812 the House on 25 January, Mr. Denktash made some proposals on 2 January and President Kyprianou has given the United Nations Secretary-General the framework of a comprehensive solution. The Secretary-General is actively seeking to make progress with the parties in promoting a settlement of the Cyprus problem. Last month he met President Kyprianou, President Evren of Turkey and Mr. Denktash. We support his efforts and stand ready to help him.
§ Mr. AtkinsonIs it not a fact that President Kyprianou has offered the Turkish authorities about 25 per cent. of Cypriot territory and full recognition in the formation of a Cypriot federal authority to govern those parts of the island occupied by Turkish people? Put together, does that not constitute a full recognition of the demands made earlier by Turkish people in Cyprus? Should not the British Government do everything possible to put pressure on Ankara so that Turkey will accept what is being offered by the Kyprianou Government?
§ Mr. WhitneyThe British Government recognise that progress must be made and that the best opportunities for progress lie through the actions of the Secretary-General. We support those actions.