§ 42. Mr. Rhodes Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he proposes to take
610Wstantial quantities could be purchased on world markets.—[Vol. 931, c. 517–18; Vol. 938, c. 195–6; Vol. 945, c. 748; Vol. 955, c. 757.]
initiatives to renew the inter-communal talks in Cyprus.
§ Dr. OwenHon. Members will have seen reports of an initiative to get the Cyprus talks re-started. Press reports have so far talked of a United States initiative. In fact the British Government have been closely involved. We have worked with the United States and other interested Governments since July. The suggestions which have recently been made to the parties to the Cyprus dispute have the full support of the British Government and contain a substantial British input. Canada is also involved. I have conveyed directly and through the appropriate British representatives, to the various parties to the dispute my belief that the suggestions provide a sound basis for resuming the inter-communal talks under the aegis of Dr. Waldheim, putting real substance into them and driving forward to a definitive solution to the Cyprus question. I urge all concerned not to miss this opportunity to restore peace and prosperity to Cyprus and stability to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Our partners of the Nine have been informed of the part which Britain has been playing together with the United States, and I am confident we shall have their support. The United Kingdom will continue to take every opportunity to help the parties to the dispute to find the way forward which they have for so long failed to find by themselves. But we remain convinced that the solution has to be negotiated by the parties themselves 611W and cannot in any way be imposed from outside.