§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings the Minister224W had with the United Nations Special Representative on Cyprus, regarding her negotiations on the Cyprus issue; and if he will make a statement. [62597]
§ Ms QuinWe remain firmly committed to supporting UN efforts towards a comprehensively political settlement in Cyprus. We warmly welcomed the UN Secretary-General's 30 September announcement of a process for on-island contacts with both parties, led by the UN Deputy Special Representative for Cyprus, Dame Ann Hercus, aimed at reducing tensions and promoting progress towards a just and lasting settlement. Dame Ann has secured the agreement of the two parties to treat discussions within this process as confidential. We respect this, and urge both sides to co-operate in a constructive and flexible manner with Dame Ann, with whom we maintain close contact through our High Commissioner in Nicosia.