§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent United Nations talks between the leaders of the communities in Cyprus.
§ Mr. RentonWe are disappointed that the outcome to the high-level meeting between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus was not more positive. We have consistently supported the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General to seek a settlement of the Cyprus problem and we welcome his statement that the gap between the two sides hasnever been so narrow and for the need to persevere. We have impressed upon the parties concerned the need to seize the opportunity the Secretary-General has created.
We hope it will be possible to arrange a further joint high-level meeting as the Secretary-General envisages and remain ready to support his initiative in whatever way we can.