§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his efforts to find a settlement of the situation in Cyprus. [90141]
§ Ms QuinWe remain determined to see a major, sustained effort this year in support of the UN Secretary-General's initiative to secure a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus.
G8 Heads of Government, in their statement of 20 June, and the UN Security Council, in its resolution 1250 of 29 June, have urged UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to invite the leaders of both Cypriot sides to enter without preconditions into comprehensive negotiations starting in the Autumn, and to commit themselves in good faith to continue to negotiate until a settlement is reached. As a G8 member and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK has been closely involved in this process. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary confirmed to Mr. Annan, during his visit to London on 24–25 June, that he will have our full support in efforts to get negotiations underway.