HC Deb 29 October 1986 vol 103 cc319-20
14. Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to meet the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus to discuss the continued division of that island.

Mr. Eggar

My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans to do so. We are in regular contact with the Cyprus Government at the highest level. As I have already made clear, we take every opportunity to urge all the parties to co-operate with the United Nations Secretary-General in the continuing search for a settlement in Cyprus.

Mr. Dubs

Does the Minister agree that the attitude of the Turkish Government to the efforts of the United Nations has been unhelpful to say the least, especially when, earlier this year, a delegation of leading Turkish politicians and others paid a provocative visit to the Turkish-occupied part of northern Cyprus?

Mr. Eggar

It is obviously important that all sides and parties to the dispute within Cyprus understand the problems that the other sides face at all times. But, as the hon. Gentleman knows well—I know his long interest in the affairs of Cyprus—it is a highly complex situation and it does nobody any credit to simplify it.

Mr. Budgen

Will the British Government emphasise to the Turkish Government that the situation in Cyprus is no barrier to the entry of Turkey into the EEC and that the EEC is open to all democratic states in Europe?

Mr. Eggar

As I have already made clear twice, Turkey has not yet applied for membership of the EC and therefore those considerations have not come into effect.

Mr. Norman Atkinson

The Minister has so far evaded the question of the Turkish troops in Cyprus. Does not that evasion show that the Government have no views on whether the troops should he removed?

Mr. Eggar

No. Clearly, the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the Republic of Cyprus must form part or a comprehensive settlement.

Mr. Lawrence

Have further steps been taken to protect the lives of British service men and their families in the sovereign bases following the attack upon Akrotiri by the Abu Nidal terrorists?

Mr. Eggar

It is by no means clear where that attack came from or which organisation was behind it, but following it the authorities within the sovereign base have taken precautions.