HC Deb 20 July 1984 vol 64 cc356-7W
Mr. John David Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiative the Government, being a guarantor power, propose to take in response to the presence of Greek troops in Cyprus in excess of the numbers agreed for Greece.

Mr. Whitney

The treaty of guarantee contains no specific restrictions or other provisions regarding the stationing of troops by the guarantor powers.

Mr. John David Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will visit both northern and southern Cyprus when he next visits the island of Cyprus.

Mr. Whitney

My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans to visit Cyprus.

Mr. John David Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what restrictions apply to the approximately 250 permanent United Kingdom residents now living in northern Cyprus.

Mr. Whitney

Those United Kingdom citizens resident in northern Cyprus who entered the country by northern Cyprus and who settled after 1974 are subject to restrictions on movement to the southern part of the island. All residents in northern Cyprus suffer from the inevitable consequences of living in a divided island.

Mr. John David Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to overcome the refusal of the Greek Cypriot postal authorities to deliver post to British residents in northern Cyprus.

Mr. Whitney

The disruption of postal communications is one aspect of the Cyprus problem to which we seek a peaceful, just and lasting solution. We understand, however, that most United Kingdom citizens resident in northern Cyprus are able to make arrangements to receive their post.