§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will report on the confidence-building measures and discussions between the two communities in Cyprus. [90466]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 20 July 1999]: In line with the UN Secretary-General's initiative of 30 September 1998, his Special Representative, Dame Ann Hercus, has been conducting a process of on-island contacts with the leaders of the two communities aimed at reducing tensions and promoting progress towards a just and lasting settlement.
The UN Security Council, in its Resolution 1250 (1999) of 29 June, welcomed these contacts and urged the UN Secretary-General to invite the two leaders to enter without preconditions into comprehensive negotiations starting in the autumn. We have confirmed to the UN Secretary-General that he will have our full support in his efforts to get negotiations underway.