Cyprus (Hansard, 16 January 2001)

§ Mr. Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Turkish Government about the arrest in Cyprus of Mr. Panicos Tsiakourmas; and if he will make a statement. [145159]

§ Mr. Vaz
The UK Government regard the detention of Panicos Tsiakourmas as a very serious matter. Our High Commissioner has made strong representations to Mr. Dentkash about the circumstances of Mr. Tsiakourmas' arrest. We have also raised our concerns with the Turkish Authorities in Nicosia, Ankara and London. I met Mrs. Tsiakourmas and my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Mr. Love) on 9 January 2001. We will continue to raise the issue until it is resolved satisfactorily.

§ Mr. Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the British High Commissioner in Cyprus about the detention of Mr. Panicos Tsiakourmas in northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [145437]

§ Mr. Vaz
Our High Commissioner in Nicosia has provided the Foreign Secretary and me with regular reports on the detention of Mr. Tsiakourmas. Our officials are in daily telephone contact with him and I met Mrs. Tsiakourmas on 9 January. The Government regard the detention of Mr. Tsiakourmas as a very serious matter. Our High Commissioner has made strong representations to Mr. Denktash about the circumstances of Mr. Tsiakourmas' arrest. We have also raised our concerns with the Turkish authorities in Nicosia, Athens and London. We will continue to raise the issue until it is resolved satisfactorily.

§ Mr. Dismore
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit Cyprus. [R] [145447]
170W

§ Mr. Meale
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to visit the Republic of Cyprus. [145441]

§ Mr. Vaz
The Foreign Secretary has no plans to visit Cyprus. I hope to visit in March 2001.