§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what consultations he has held with EU foreign Ministers over the ban imposed by the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community on meetings between members of both Cypriot communities on the island; [52383]
(2) what steps he is taking to encourage the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community to remove his ban on meetings between members of both Cypriot communities on the island; [52388]
(3) what consultations he has held with Turkey and Greece, as co-guarantor powers, over the ban imposed by the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community on meetings between members of both Cypriot communities on the island. [52389]
§ Ms Quin[pursuant to the reply, 27 July 1998, c. 45]: Due to an administrative error only the first paragraph of the answer was published. The full answer is as follows.
We have made clear to Mr. Denktash on numerous occasions that we greatly regret the current suspension on Turkish Cypriot participation in bicommunal activities on Cyprus, and have urged him to lift the current suspension. Bicommunal activities make a valuable contribution to building a foundation of understanding 1148W between the two Cypriot communities, which will be essential for the success of a political settlement on the island.
To encourage this process, the UK was involved in securing the inclusion of UN Security Council Resolution 1178 (1998) of 29 June of an expression of regret for the suspension of bicommunal activities by the Turkish Cypriot leadership and a call to both sides, in particular the Turkish Cypriot side, to facilitate arrangements within which bicommunal contacts can take place uninterrupted and without formalities.
Our interest in the promotion of bicommunal contacts includes those held outside Cyprus. Sir David Hannay met Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot businessmen of the Brussels Group during his recent visit to Cyprus (20–22 July). He expressed our appreciation and encouragement of the Group's continuing activity.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his EU partners on all aspects of the EU's relation with Cyprus. 5 mecu of EU funds is available to Cyprus for bicommunal projects. A further 12 mecu is available for projects which would support progress towards a political settlement.
We use every suitable opportunity to impress upon Greece and Turkey the importance of encouraging Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to work towards a lasting political settlement through the good offices of the United Nations Secretary-General.