§ Lord Vivianasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps are being taken to establish a Cyprus confederation between North and South Cyprus; and what is their policy towards this development, particularly with regard to the power-sharing arrangements proposed. [HL3956]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe and our international partners continue to give strong support to UN efforts towards a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus. The members of the G8, which met on 20 June, and the UN Security Council, which met on 29 June, have urged the UN Secretary-General to invite the leaders of the two sides on Cyprus to enter without pre-conditions into comprehensive negotiations starting in the Autumn. The precise terms of any settlement, including power-sharing arrangements, are matters to be agreed by the two sides. For our part, we continue to believe that a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on political equality is the best way to achieve a settlement.
§ Lord Vivianasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that the Greek and Turkish areas of Cyprus are two sovereign, equal and democratically legitimate states. [HL3957]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalUN Security Council Resolution 541 of 18 November 1983 calls upon all states not to recognise any Cypriot state other than the Republic of Cyprus. The UK was instrumental in the adoption of this resolution.