§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement on the situation in Cyprus.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe situation in Cyprus continues to be tense. However, there have been no major outbreaks of violence in recent weeks, and the United Nations peace-keeping force has undoubtedly played a most valuable part in preventing them. On 19th March, the202W Security Council decided unanimously to renew the mandate of the force for a further period of 3 months, and I am glad to say that Her Majesty's Government not only fully supported this but have also agreed to continue to contribute a contingent of about 1,000 men as well as logistic support, and to make a further payment of $1 million towards the costs.
A political solution has still to be found, and Her Majesty's Government therefore fully support the efforts of the United Nations Mediator in his search for one which will be acceptable to all concerned. I understand that the Report will be available to us soon. Meanwhile we are doing what we can to persuade all concerned to exercise restraint in order to create a favourable atmosphere for the consideration of the Mediator's Report.