HL Deb 18 February 1986 vol 471 cc501-2
Lord Broxbourne

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any response to, or comment upon, Soviet proposals for the solution of the Cyprus problem; and whether they have any alternative proposals to be made internationally, through the Commonwealth or by way of individual British initiative.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)

My Lords, these proposals do not call for a formal response from us. We continue to believe that the United Nations Secretary-General's initiative offers much the best prospect of a peaceful, just and lasting settlement in Cyprus. We have lent the Secretary-General every support and encouragement in his task.

Lord Broxbourne

My Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for that reply. Does she not agree that, whatever the motivation of the Soviet, Her Majesty's Government should pursue by every means possible a satisfactory solution to this difficult problem for the best of reasons: long association with, and deep affection for, this lovely but troubled island where there are nice people on both sides, although they are having difficulty in seeing each other's point of view—rather like Parliament, your Lordships may think? Would it not be right for Her Majesty's Government to do all that they can by way of cooperation, help, guidance and efforts at rapprochement, possibly even offering to act as arbitrator in this difficult dispute, or by what continental lawyers call an aimable compositeur?

Baroness Young

My Lords, it is not for me to say what are the motives of the Soviet Union in making this proposal. But I am glad to be able to say that the Soviet Union has made clear its support for the Secretary-General's initiative in his proposals.

With regard to my noble friend's other questions, I can only confirm to him yet again that we continue to believe that the United Nations Secretary-General's initiative offers the best prospect of a settlement.

Lord Caradon

My Lords, will the Minister assure us that in the discussions which have been taking place, and I think are still taking place, with a representative of the Turkish Government, he has been made fully aware of the strength of feeling in this country at the long delay which is taking place and the obstruction which is being placed in the way of the settlement urged by the Secretary-General of the United Nations? Is it true that he has been made fully aware of the strength of feeling in Cyprus, in Europe, and particularly in this country?

Baroness Young

My Lords, yes. I hope that the Secretary-General is fully aware of the importance that we attach to his initiative and of the very full support that we have given him throughout the long, complex and patient negotiations that he has been undertaking.

Lord Oram

My Lords, in view of the continuing tension in Cyprus, and in view of the visit of the Turkish Prime Minister which is impending, is not the Question by the noble Lord particularly timely at this point? Will the noble Baroness notice that in the Question by the noble Lord there is the suggestion of involving the Commonwealth in the seeking of a solution? Will she take particular note of that and always make sure—not only in relation to Cyprus but in relation to other difficult areas—that our Commonwealth partners are drawn in in a helpful way?

Baroness Young

My Lords, I can confirm to the noble Lord that the Prime Minister of Turkey is at present in London making his official visit here. I had the opportunity to have talks with him yesterday and among the matters discussed was the problem of Cyprus.

On the second point that the noble Lord raises, yes, the Commonwealth has taken an interest in the question of Cyprus following upon the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting of 1984. But we, as a Government, believe that the Secretary-General's initiative must be supported at the present time and that it offers the best way forward.

Lord Paget of Northampton

My Lords, with regard to the question by my noble friend about involving the Commonwealth, is not our problem that the Commonwealth is generally on the other side?

Baroness Young

My Lords, it is very difficult for me to answer a generalised question such as that. I am quite sure that there are very many members of the Commonwealth who hope very much that there will be a settlement in Cyprus.

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