HL Deb 27 November 2002 vol 641 cc44-5WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What practical support they will be offering to gain backing for the United Nations Secretary-General's proposals for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. [HL58]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

On 11 November my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary issued a statement warmly welcoming the UN Secretary-General's decision to table his proposals for bridging the remaining gaps after the months of negotiations between the two sides. He said that the British Government believe that there is now the best chance to solve the Cyprus problem in decades, and that this opportunity is not likely to recur in the foreseeable future. We will be working with all those concerned for a positive outcome.

We have been making this case at all levels. The UK will maintain close contact with all the main parties, both at ministerial level, through diplomatic channels and through the work of our High Commission in Nicosia, to support the efforts of the UN. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary met George Papandreou on 8 November and both my right honourable friends the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary met Greek and Turkish leaders last week. My honourable friend the Minister of State for Europe met Ioannis Kasoulides, the Cyprus Foreign Minister, on 26 November. Negotiations for a settlement of the Cyprus problem were discussed at all of these meetings.

Lord Hannay, the UK Special Representative for Cyprus, also travelled to Athens, Nicosia and Ankara last week to meet key players in the negotiations for a settlement.

Lord Kilclooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the estimated population of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; and how many of this population will have to be re-settled on the basis of each of the two maps in the present United Nations proposals for the future constitution for Cyprus. [HL118]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The British Government welcome the UN Secretary-General's decision to table proposals to bridge the gaps between the two sides in Cyprus. The UN Secretary-General has asked that the specifics of the negotiations between the two sides are not openly discussed.

We estimate the total population living in the north of Cyprus is approximately 200,000.