HC Deb 26 February 1996 vol 272 c323W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he(a) has had and (b) will have with the leader of the British delegation to the Council of Europe following his visit to the Karpass area of occupied northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [16310]

Mr. David Davis

My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has not been in contact with Lord Finsberg following his recent visit to Cyprus. The British high commissioner in Nicosia spoke with Lord Finsberg during his visit.

We support efforts to uphold the human rights of Cypriots in whatever part of the island they live. We welcome the recent announcement by the Turkish Cypriots of measures to improve the living conditions for Greek Cypriots and Maronites living in northern Cyprus. There is no reason why the remaining restrictions on basic freedoms for minorities should not be lifted.