HL Deb 14 February 2001 vol 622 cc39-40WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they have taken to secure the well-being and release of the Greek Cypriot Panicos Tsiakourmas who was abducted by allegedly Turkish troops in the British Sovereign Area territory of Cyprus on 12 December 2000. [HL534]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

The Foreign Secretary has written to both Mr Denktash and Turkish Foreign Minister Cem about the circumstances of Mr Tsiakourmas' arrest and emphasising the importance we attach to this very serious matter. Our High Commissioner in Nicosia has also made strong and regular representations to Mr Denktash. Our concerns have also been raised on several occasions with the Turkish authorities in Nicosia, Ankara and London. We will continue to raise the issue until it is resolved satisfactorily.