22. Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent initiatives he has taken to help secure a successful outcome to the inter-communal talks in Cyprus and to restore its territorial integrity.
Mr. WhitneyThe intercommunal talks held in Nicosia under United Nations auspices offer the best hope of progress towards a solution to all aspects of the Cyprus problem including that of territory. A seperate British initiative at this time would be likely only to cut across the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General.
29. Mr. Litherlandasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the United Kingdom abstained from voting on the Cyprus resolution at the United Nations on 13 May; and if he will make a statement.
§ 51. Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the United Kingdom abstained from voting at the United Nations General Assembly on 13 May on Cyprus; and what steps the United Kingdom will now take to persuade Turkey to abide by Resolution No. 37/253.
Mr. WhitneyThe United Kingdom abstained on the United Nations resolution because we did not believe that it would facilitate a solution to the Cyprus problem. We believe that the best hope for progress lies in the intercommunal talks in Nicosia and hope that these will be resumed soon and that both sides will demonstrate their determination to make real progress.