§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the northern Cyprus administration on developing meetings within Cyprus of members of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to discuss matters of common interest. [35385]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonOur High Commission in Nicosia remain in regular touch with the authorities in the north of Cyprus to encourage them to remain actively engaged in the search for a Cyprus settlement, to work with the Government of Cyprus to ensure that the benefits of EU membership are available to all Cypriots, and to develop further links between Cypriots on both sides of the island. We also co-operate closely with the UN and others to promote bi-communal contacts.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by what means he plans to obtain the views of Turkish Cypriots on the application of the Republic of Cyprus for membership of the European Union. [35372]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonMr. Denktash has expressed his views very clearly. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary offered to meet him in London this month to discuss this issue, and is sorry that he did not take up this offer. We maintain contact with Mr. Denktash through our High Commissioner in Nicosia.
We hope that the Turkish Cypriots will reconsider their refusal to take up the offer to participate in the delegation to the accession negotiations made by President Clerides.
29WThis would allow them to make clear their views to the EU side and also to understand fully the implications of EU membership—including the very substantial benefits which would, we believe, flow to the Turkish Cypriot community.