§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under which UN Security Council resolution the Greek Cypriot Administration is classified as the Government of Cyprus. [176584]
§ Mr. MacShaneUN Security Council Resolution 541 (1983) called upon all States to "respect the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and non-alignment of the Republic of Cyprus", deplored the "declaration of the Turkish Cypriot authorities of the purported secession of part of the Republic of Cyprus" and considered the declaration as "legally invalid" and called for its "withdrawal".
§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect on the international(a)trade, (b)communication and (c)sport restrictions on Northern Cyprus of the Turkish Cypriot vote to accept the Annan Plan. [176585]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe clear majority vote by the Turkish Cypriot community at the referendum on 24 April to accept the UN Secretary General's plan for a settlement of the Cyprus problem has not gone unnoticed. The European Union and the wider international community have acknowledged that the situation on Cyprus has changed—there can be no return to the previous status quo. As a consequence of the Turkish Cypriot community's clear call for a settlement and for a future within the European Union the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council decided on 26 April 2004 to
put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. The Council invited the Commission to bring forward comprehensive proposals to this end, with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island and on improving contact between the two communities and with the EU.As part of its preparation of these comprehensive proposals the European Commission, together with the UK and other international partners, is examining steps 55W to improve the situation of the Turkish Cypriots with regard to, inter alia, international trade, communication and sporting links.
§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will permit direct flights between Northern Cyprus and United Kingdom airports following the Turkish Cypriot vote to accept the Annan Plan. [176586]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe Government believe steps should be taken as quickly as possible to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. On 26 April 2004, the General Affairs and External Relations Council invited the European Commission to
bring forward comprehensive proposals, with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island [of Cyprus] and on improving contact between the two communities and with the EU".We look forward to seeing these proposals. We are considering these issues too and see significant benefits in direct links between the northern part of Cyprus and other parts of the EU if this can be done in a safe and effective way, respecting the legitimate concerns and interests of all involved.
§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will take steps within the European Union to promote the amendment of legislation restricting trade and communications with Northern Cyprus following the vote to accept the Annan Plan; and whether the Government plan to provide financial assistance to Northern Cyprus. [176587]
§ Mr. MacShaneYes.
§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the UK High Commission office in Northern Cyprus will be upgraded following the Turkish Cypriot vote to accept the Annan Plan. [176588]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe British High Commission in Cyprus has maintained links with and a physical presence in both the north and south of Cyprus since 1974.
§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to invite representatives of the Turkish Cypriot administration to enter discussions with the Government on the future of Northern Cyprus. [176589]
§ Mr. MacShaneOur High Commissioner and his staff maintain a regular dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot administration on the future of Northern Cyprus. We are looking at the possibility of receiving Mr. Talat, as the elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, in London this summer.
§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus London Representative Office will be changed following the vote to accept the Annan Plan. [176590]
§ Mr. MacShaneNo.
56W
§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will take steps to promote the repeal of UN Security Council Resolution 541. [176591]
§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government would support an invitation from the UN Security Council and General Assembly for Turkish Cypriot elected leaders to address UN meetings; and if he will make a statement. [176592]
§ Mr. MacShaneWe would have no objection to the elected leaders of the Turkish Cypriot community being invited to speak to the UN Security Council or the General Assembly it, that capacity.