HC Deb 16 July 1993 vol 228 cc725-7W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the Secretary-General of the United Nations as to the next action to be taken by the United Nations following the breakdown of the United Nations-sponsored talks on Cyprus; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what discussions he has had with the Turkish Government following the recent breakdown on the United Nations-sponsored talks on the future of Cyprus; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what discussions he has had with the Greek Government following the breakdown of the United Nations-sponsored talks on Cyprus.; and if he will make a statement;

(4) what discussions he has had with President Clerides following the breakdown of the United Nations-sponsored talks on Cyprus; and if he will make a statement;

(5) if he will raise the issue of Cyprus during the forthcoming Commonwealth conference of Heads of Government in Cyprus in October; and if he will make a statement;

(6) what actions he proposes to take with the Secretary-General of the United Nations to encourage sucessful continuation of the talks on the future of Famagusta; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

The intercommunal dispute in Cyprus is the subject of intensive negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General. This process has our full support and it is important not to start new initiatives that may confuse or cut across the United Nations effort.

On 30 June the United Nations Secretary-General issued a report detailing the progress of the latest round of talks and proposed confidence-building measures which would bring both Varosha and Nicosia airport under United Nations control. Our permanent representative to the United Nations, in his capacity as President of the Security Council, replied by letter on 7 July asking the Secretary-General to continue his efforts and report again in September. The latter's special representative is at present visiting the area.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs discussed the way forward with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Inonu on 14 July and will take further opportunities to promote the Secretary-General's mission between now and September.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions during the course of 1993 the British high commissioner to Cyprus has visited northern Cyprus; whom he has met during his visits; and what was the purpose of each visit.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

One of the duties of Her Majesty's high commissioner in Cyprus is to maintain contact with the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot community in order to promote and protect British consular or other interests. In this context he and members of his staff are frequently in northern Cyprus.

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