§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to encourage(a) the Greek Government, (b) the Turkish Government and (c) the Government of Cyprus to resolve the issue of Northern Cyprus. [105159]
§ Mr. VazThe UK is playing a leading role in support of UN efforts towards a settlement in Cyprus. We warmly welcomed the launch of UN proximity talks in New York on 3 December preparing for the negotiation of a comprehensive settlement. We strongly endorse the UN Secretary-General's intention to continue these talks early this year. We are in frequent contact with the Cypriot parties and with the Governments of Greece and Turkey and are encouraging them to co-operate with the Secretary-General constructively and flexibly.
§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the timetable for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union. [105158]
§ Mr. VazCyprus is making good progress in its EU accession negotiations, which we welcome. Twenty-three of the 31 chapters of the EU's legislation and practice have been discussed to date and 11 provisionally closed—the most of any candidate. The remaining chapters should be opened this year. It is not yet possible to predict when any of the candidates will join the EU. The faster Cyprus implements EU legislation the sooner it will be in a position to join.
The Helsinki European Council stated that a political settlement would facilitate, but not be a precondition for, Cyprus' accession. We warmly welcomed the launch of UN proximity talks in New York in December, preparing for the negotiation of a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, and strongly endorse the UN Secretary-General's intention to continue these talks early this year.