HL Deb 08 June 1992 vol 537 c1098

2.46 p.m.

Lord Stallard asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will outline the steps they are taking towards a negotiated settlement in Cyprus.

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, we continue to give active support to the UN Secretary-General's efforts to promote a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem. There are current grounds for optimism; both sides have accepted the ideas endorsed in SCR 750, and the recent round of talks by UN envoys has gone well.

Lord Stallard

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that Answer and the assurance, if I heard it aright, that Her Majesty's Government also support Resolution 750. That is a big help. Will the Government be represented at the peace talks which it is envisaged will be held during the next week or two? Can the noble Baroness give me any information on what progress has been made by the Government in ascertaining the whereabouts of those people (Turkish or Greek) who have been missing since the Turkish invasion of 1974?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, with regard to the first part of the noble Lord's question, the United Kingdom remains especially involved as a guarantor power. With regard to the second part of his question, we support the United Nations Intercommunal Committee on Missing Persons, but its efforts depend upon full co-operation from both sides. Separate action by the UK would risk cutting across the committee's work. I realise that a great deal of human tragedy and misery lies behind the question asked by the noble Lord.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, do the Turkish and Greek Governments now fully support Security Council Resolution 750 which proposes a bizonal federation? Is there any truth in the report that there is a proposal to reduce the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, the short answer to the first part of the question asked by the noble Lord, Lord Cledwyn, is yes. The answer to the second part is that the size of the force required remains under review. The UN Secretary-General proposes shortly to present a paper on the future of UN FICYP to the Security Council.

Lord Swinfen

My Lords, can my noble friend tell us what effect the continued settlement in northern Cyprus of Turks from the mainland is having on negotiations?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, a conference has been arranged for 18th June to which both parties have agreed.