§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice he provided to tourists inquiring about the safety of travel to Cyprus in mid to late March 2003. [155515]
§ Mr. MacShane[holding answer 23 February 2004]: Our advice to British holidaymakers and other visitors with effect from 19 March 2003 was:
Terrorism: There have been a number of car bombs in the Limassol area and Nicosia over the past few years. Although the perpetrators have not been identified, these activities are restricted for the most part to in-fighting among the criminal fraternity.But UK nationals should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, in all countries of the world, against civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites.Cyprus is not directly affected by the situation in Iraq. We therefore see no reason for holiday plans to be changed. Please monitor the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for updates to the travel advice for Cyprus, or contact Consular Section at the British High Commission in Nicosia.