§ 24. Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in the application of Cyprus to join the European Union. [120894]
§ Mr. VazCyprus's accession negotiations with the European Union have covered 25 of the 31 chapters of the acquis communautaire, comprising the rights and obligations of EU membership. The remainder will be opened this year. Fifteen chapters do not need further negotiation at this stage—the greatest number for any candidate.
The EU's objective is accession, following a political settlement, of a united Cyprus to the EU. It would clearly be easier for the united island to accede to the EU. But the Helsinki European Council in December 1999 agreed that a settlement is not a precondition for accession. We fully support the UN proximity talks preparing for a comprehensive settlement, which are due to resume shortly in New York.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Turkish Prime Minister on his recent statement about Cyprus; and if he will make a statement on that statement. [121932]
§ Mr. VazThe Foreign Secretary has had no recent discussions with the Turkish Prime Minister on the subject of Cyprus. However, we maintain regular contact with the Turkish Government in the context of the current UN settlement process and continue to urge all parties involved to cooperate with the UN Secretary-General constructively and flexibly.